When we say something is "in a mess," we typically mean that it's disarranged, untidy, or chaotic. However, there are several other ways to convey a similar idea depending on the context. For example, we might describe something as "jumbled," "cluttered," or "disorganized." Alternatively, we might use words like "chaotic," "haphazard," or "tangled" to paint a more vivid picture of the situation. Other synonyms for "in a mess" might include "muddled," "confused," or "mixed up." Each of these words offers a slightly different shade of meaning but conveys a similar sense of disorder or confusion.