Learn how to use the comparative “messier” and superlative “messiest” with example sentences and differences.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Comparative adjectives help us to describe how good or bad something is when compared to something else. For example, something is taller than something else. Superlative adjectives help us to describe something as having the most or least of a particular characteristic within a group. This makes it easier and more accurate to talk about and compare things.

What is the comparative form of “messiest”?

The comparative form of “messiest” is “messier”.

Example

Her room is messier than mine.

Example

The kitchen was messier after they finished cooking.

What is the superlative form of “messiest”?

The superlative form of “messiest” is “messiest”.

Example

Among all the rooms, the attic is the messiest.

Example

The garage is known for being the messiest part of the house.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

'Most' and 'more' are generally not used with messy, messier, and messiest. They’re considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'more messy' and 'most messy' are not used because they sound awkward. Instead, messier and messiest are the correct and preferred forms to use.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Messy does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: MessyMessier Superlative: MessyMessiest

Expressions with similar meanings to “messier”

Used to describe something that is messier in terms of cleanliness or hygiene

Example

The dirtier the dishes, the longer it takes to clean them.

Used to indicate a space that is messier due to being filled with objects or belongings

Example

Her desk is always cluttered with papers and books.

A slightly formal way of expressing increased messiness or lack of organization

Example

The more disorganized the files, the harder it is to find what you need.

Expressions with similar meanings to “messiest”

Similar to messiest, this emphasizes both messiness and lack of cleanliness

Example

The dirtiest room in the house is the basement.

Used to describe the highest level of messiness due to excessive objects or belongings

Example

Her closet is the most cluttered space in her room.

A slightly formal way of expressing the highest level of messiness or lack of organization

Example

The most disorganized area of the office is the supply room.

Using than with comparative “messier”

When using the comparative form messier to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "Her room is messier than mine." Here, than is used to show that the level of messiness in 'her' room is greater than the level of messiness in 'mine'.

How can I use this expression in context?

“messier” and “messiest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Rooms

    The playroom is messier than the living room.

    The playroom is messier than the living room.

  • 2Workspaces

    His desk is always messier than hers.

    His desk is always messier than hers.

  • 3Art Projects

    The painting became messier as she added more colors.

    The painting became messier as she added more colors.

  • 4Cooking

    Baking cookies can make the kitchen messiest part of the house.

    Baking cookies can make the kitchen messiest part of the house.

  • 5Nature

    The aftermath of the storm left the park messiest with fallen branches and debris.

    The aftermath of the storm left the park messiest with fallen branches and debris.

Related idioms and phrases

Make a mess

To create a disorderly or untidy situation.

Example

The kids made a mess while playing with their toys.

Clean up your act

To improve one's behavior or become more organized.

Example

After receiving a warning, he decided to clean up his act and be more responsible.

Sweep it under the rug

To hide or ignore a problem or mistake instead of addressing it.

Example

Instead of dealing with the issue, they chose to sweep it under the rug.

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