English UsageComparison guide
Cleanup vs. Clean Up
“Cleanup” is a noun for an act or instance of cleaning and can also function adjectivally in established uses. “Clean up” is the verb phrase for making something clean or improving a situation.
Use “cleanup” for the noun (“the cleanup”) and “clean up” for the verb (“clean up the room”).
Key details
Confusion Familyword-boundary
Rule Familyorthographic-boundary
Termscleanup, clean up
Choose the right form
| If you mean / need | Use | Why |
|---|---|---|
| the cleaning operation or result as a thing | cleanup | It is the noun; some established attributive uses also use the closed form. |
| the action of making clean or improving | clean up | It is the verb. |
Further guidance
Core difference
The one-word form names the cleanup; the two-word form performs the action.
Fast Test
If the phrase takes tense—“cleaned up,” “cleaning up”—use two words.
Modifier Boundary
Merriam-Webster also records adjectival “cleanup” in established uses, so not every closed form is strictly a noun.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Cleanup — Merriam-Webster (opens in a new tab)Merriam-Webster · Cleanup noun/adjective and clean up verb word-class boundary