What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
messiness
Example
Her desk was in a state of messiness with papers and books scattered everywhere. [messiness: noun]
Example
The party ended in a state of messiness with spilled drinks and broken dishes. [messiness: noun]
untidiness
Example
His room was in a state of untidiness with clothes strewn all over the floor. [untidiness: noun]
Example
The project was left in a state of untidiness with incomplete tasks and unclear instructions. [untidiness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Untidiness is more commonly used than messiness in everyday language. It is a versatile word that can be used to describe personal appearance or physical surroundings. Messiness, on the other hand, is less common and is typically used to describe physical surroundings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between messiness and untidiness?
Both messiness and untidiness are informal words that are appropriate for casual conversation. However, untidiness may be slightly more formal than messiness due to its versatility and neutral connotation.
