1 a [count] : a very dirty or untidy state or condition — usually singular ▪ We found the papers in a mess. ▪ It took years to clean up the mess caused by the oil spill. ▪ She's the only cook in the family who never makes a mess of/in the kitchen.
b [singular] : something or someone that looks very dirty or untidy
▪ The apartment was a mess when he left it. = He left the apartment a mess. ▪ He was a mess after gardening all day. ▪ My hair is a mess. 2 [count] a : a situation that is very complicated or difficult to deal with
▪ I don't know how the economy got to be (in) such a mess. ▪ Well, that's another fine mess you've gotten me into! ▪ How do we get ourselves into these messes?
b : something that is not organized well or working correctly
▪ The school system is a mess. ▪ Things were a real mess for a while after she retired. ▪ My life is a complete mess. 3 [singular] informal a : someone who is very unhappy, confused, etc.
▪ She was a real mess for a while after her divorce.
b US : someone who is showing a lot of emotion especially by crying
▪ He was a mess during his daughter's wedding ceremony. 4 [count] : the place where people in the military eat
▪ the officers' mess —called also mess hall 5 [singular] US, informal : a large amount of something — + of ▪ a mess of cash ▪ a mess of cabbage/greens/peas ▪ They're in a mess of trouble. [=a lot of trouble] 6 informal : solid waste from an animal [count] ▪ The puppy made a mess on the rug. [noncount] ▪ cleaning up dog mess