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

"We did mess up on the first night with a few issues," he said, adding those issues have now been rectified, and those affected by the first couple of shows have been invited back.

From BBC • Nov. 13, 2025

“There’s a history for the fans. You can’t mess up the Easter eggs. There are specific things you can’t get wrong because you’ll just lose people.”

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 12, 2025

But it’s sort of funny, because even without any lines to mess up, I’m nervous.

From "Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda" by Becky Albertalli