The phrasal verb "mess up" is predominantly used in informal contexts to describe making a mistake or creating a problem in a situation. It's widely used among native speakers in casual conversations to admit errors or discuss failures, such as in sentences like "I really messed up the presentation" or "She messed up the cake recipe." While "mess up" can indirectly appear in semi-formal contexts, especially in creative or relaxed workplace environments, it is rarely found in formal writing or presentations, where alternates like "make a mistake" or "cause an error" might be preferred. Beyond personal failure, "mess up" can also relate to disorganized states or chaotic situations, thus it’s versatile in scenarios involving disarray or incomplete tasks. Additionally, "mess up" can extend metaphorically to emotional or psychological states, indicating confusion or distress, further expanding its utility in everyday language.
B1
Intermediate
1. To make a mistake or cause a plan or situation to go wrong.
I really messed up the presentation by forgetting my notes.
She messed up the recipe by adding too much salt.
2. To make something dirty or untidy.
The kids messed up the living room with their toys.