What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
messy
Example
Her room is always so messy, with clothes and books strewn everywhere. [messy: adjective]
Example
He looked messy with his hair sticking out in all directions. [messy: adjective]
Example
The situation became messy when more people got involved. [messy: adjective]
cluttered
Example
Her desk was cluttered with papers, books, and office supplies. [cluttered: adjective]
Example
He was a collector of many things, but his house was always cluttered with them. [cluttered: adjective]
Example
The city streets were cluttered with traffic and pedestrians. [cluttered: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cluttered is more commonly used than messy in everyday language. Cluttered is a more specific term that describes a particular type of disorganization, while messy is a more general term that can refer to various types of disorder.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between messy and cluttered?
Both messy and cluttered are informal words that are appropriate for casual conversation or writing. However, cluttered may be slightly more formal due to its specificity and association with interior design or home organization.
