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

If Leeds lose this, then it is squeaky bum time for them with games to come against Tottenham and West Ham, but they won't mess up.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 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

“If we mess up, everyone knows we exist.”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 21, 2025

As a dishwasher, I was at the very bottom of the kitchen hierarchy, so I needed to follow the rules and not mess up.

From "The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora" by Pablo Cartaya