If you say that something is a mess or in a mess, you think that it is in an untidy state.

If you say that a situation is a mess, you mean that it is full of trouble or problems. You can also say that something is in a mess .

A mess is something liquid or sticky that has been accidentally dropped on something.

The mess at a military base or military barracks is the building in which members of the armed forces can eat or relax.