mess

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a state of confusion and disorderliness
  2. noun informal terms for a difficult situation
  3. noun soft semiliquid food

Etymology

Perhaps a corruption of Middle English mesh (“mash”), compare muss, or derived from Etymology 2 "mixed foods, as for animals". Compare also Old English mes (“dung, excrement”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

messiness, muss, mussiness

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