screw 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.

Not only does it screw up seasonal adjustments, but many laid-off workers tend to wait until after the holiday to apply for benefits.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026

“They screwed up, basically, and when you screw up, you gotta be accountable,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

"I was able to screw up as a teenager and not have it filmed and amplified all over the place."

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2026

Logs can smoosh as they chill; imprecise slices screw up bake times.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 5, 2025

And then James might screw up his face and make his eyes bulge, like Rick, the white college boy who ran the summer program.

From "The Contender" by Robert Lipsyte