slovenly

[ sluhv-uhn-lee, slov- ]

adjective

, slov·en·li·er, slov·en·li·est.

1. untidy or unclean in appearance or habits.

   Synonyms: slatternly, slutty

   Antonyms: neat

2. characteristic of a sloven; slipshod:

   slovenly work.

   Synonyms: disorderly, loose, careless

   Antonyms: careful

adverb

1. in an untidy, careless, or slipshod manner.

slovenly

/ ˈslʌvənlɪ /

adjective

1. frequently or habitually unclean or untidy
2. negligent and careless; slipshod

   slovenly manners

adverb

1. in a negligent or slovenly manner

Derived Forms

• ˈslovenliness, noun

Other Words From

• slov·en·li·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of slovenly¹

First recorded in 1505–15; sloven + -ly

Example Sentences

You are thinking that someone as slovenly as I am must be a pain to live with.

From Washington Post

A toilet may be as offensive to good taste and propriety by being too elaborate, as by being slovenly.

From Project Gutenberg

Paper is cheap, and a half sheet looks both mean and slovenly.

From Project Gutenberg

The park is one of the largest in England, but it showed many evidences of neglect and slovenly care.

From Project Gutenberg

In France there is no such excuse, and therefore there should be no such slovenly waste.

From Project Gutenberg

His manner of carrying is as slovenly as all his other management.

From Project Gutenberg