mess up

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“I like to have my little secret area where I can mess up as many times as I want without any eyes on me.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

When she asks me to place a hand on my heart again, I do, repeating, “I am here. I did not mess up my kid forever. My timing is impeccable.”

From Slate • May 10, 2026

"But if you mess up on track and field, then it all goes away."

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

When a stitch isn’t working, or I mess up the seam, I’ll delegitimize myself a little bit and think I’m a fraud because I’m having people pay me for this.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 8, 2025

“Yes, definitely what Arwin said. But it also means that I need every one of you to give this your best effort. If you mess up, just keep going,” she says, looking straight at me.

From "The House That Lou Built" by Mae Respicio