# messy

> English word · Adjective · IPA /ˈmɛsi/ · frequency rank #8,691

## Definitions
1. In a disorderly state; chaotic; disorderly.
2. Prone to causing mess.
3. Difficult or unpleasant to deal with.
4. Argumentative, spreading spreading gossip, talking behind someone's back

## Etymology
From mess + -y.

## Easily confused with
- **Mss** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/messy-vs-mss)
- **miss** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/messy-vs-miss)
- **moss** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/messy-vs-moss)
- **mets** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/messy-vs-mets)
- **mews** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/messy-vs-mews)
- **misty** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/messy-vs-misty)
- **Missy** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/messy-vs-missy)
- **mushy** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/messy-vs-mushy)
- **musty** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/messy-vs-musty)
- **Mosby** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/messy-vs-mosby)
- **mossy** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/messy-vs-mossy)
- **missa** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/messy-vs-missa)
- **mes** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/mes-vs-messy)
- **mass** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/mass-vs-messy)
- **mess** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/mess-vs-messy)
- **mesh** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/mesh-vs-messy)
- **mesa** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/mesa-vs-messy)
- **mens** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/mens-vs-messy)
- **MERS** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/mers-vs-messy)
- **mercy** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/mercy-vs-messy)

## Common misspellings (6)
`emssy`, `messyy`, `mesy`, `mesys`, `mmessy`, `msesy`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/messy