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.

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

Bowens worries that some people will fraudulently overstate deductions and that people who mess up accidentally could get hurt as the IRS tries to enforce the law.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

"A classic example is around diet or exercise and people think that if they mess up one day then the whole thing is pointless," she tells BBC's What's Up Doc podcast.

From BBC • Dec. 26, 2025

It was almost out of panic and fear both, if we get this wrong — our first movie was a failure — if we mess up, we’ll never be able to tell a story again.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 25, 2025

A mistake-a-nator that would light up red if you’re about to mess up.

From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko