Screw up Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈskɹu/ /ˈəp

SKROO-uhp

UK

skɹˈuː/ /ˈʌp

sk-ROO-up

Definition

To make a big mistake or do something badly, often because of carelessness. It is an informal or slang expression.

Usage & Nuances

Very informal and conversational; often used when admitting mistakes. Synonyms: 'mess up', 'blow it'. Not for formal writing. Used with or without an object (e.g., 'I screwed up' vs. 'I screwed up the presentation').

• Spanish: meter la pata - arruinar - equivocarse
• Portuguese (BR): estragar tudo - cometer um erro - pisar na bola
• Portuguese (PT): estragar tudo - cometer um erro - meter água
• Chinese (Simplified): 搞砸 - 弄糟
• Chinese (Traditional): 搞砸 - 弄糟
• Hindi: गड़बड़ करना - काम बिगाड़ना
• Arabic: أفسد - أخطأ
• Bengali: ব্যর্থ হওয়া - গণ্ডগোল করা
• Russian: облажаться - напортачить
• Japanese: やらかす - しくじる
• Vietnamese: làm hỏng - làm rối tung lên
• Korean: 망치다 - 실수하다
• Turkish: berbat etmek - batırmak
• Urdu: گڑبڑ کرنا - بگاڑ دینا
• Indonesian: mengacaukan - berantakan

Example Sentences

I really screwed up on my test.

basic

Be careful not to screw up this time.

basic

He didn't mean to screw up the project.

basic

Sorry, I totally screwed up—my bad!

natural

If you screw up, just admit it and move on.

natural

Wow, I can’t believe I screwed up that simple task!

natural