English Reference
Adjective

screwed up

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate

adj.very bad, unfair, or full of problems. You use this when something is going wrong in a confusing or upset way.

adj.damaged, dysfunctional, or morally problematic. Informal in register and often used to describe situations that have gone significantly wrong due to incompetence or external interference.


SIMPLE

The whole situation at work is totally screwed-up.

CONTEXTUAL

After the laptop fell off the desk, the internal wiring was completely screwed-up and the screen stayed black.

COMPLEX

The city’s screwed-up transportation policy has resulted in hours of gridlock for commuters while simultaneously increasing the annual budget deficit.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated