screw up
The term "screw up" is commonly used in informal contexts to describe making mistakes or causing problems.
Definition
B2General
(informal, colloquial)To make a mistake or mishandle a situation, often leading to a negative outcome.
Example
- I really screwed up the presentation by forgetting the main points.
- He screwed up by not submitting the assignment on time.
C1Emotional
(informal, colloquial)To cause emotional distress or confusion in someone.
Example
- The sudden change in plans really screwed her up, and she couldn't focus.
B2Personal
(informal, colloquial)A person who consistently makes mistakes or causes problems.
Example
- He's a screw-up who can't seem to get anything right.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "screw up":
mess upscrewed upgoof upmuck upfoul upscrew withbugger upstuff upscrew aroundmessed upbotched upmuss upscrew loosefuckered upmuddle upmess aboutbug upfucked upmist upfuck it upscrew offmess withmix uptrip upscrew yougo wrongscuzz upmess aroundgo awrygum upjumble updrop the ballsnarl upscrew backpiss something up the wallmuddy updick aroundrumple upfix upcome a croppercrack upfucked overmuck aboutstuffed upstink upcrumple upcrap upgone wrongblow up