slovenliness

[ sluhv-uhn-lee-nis, slov- ]

noun

1. the state or quality of being untidy or unclean in appearance or habits; the character of a slob:

   The whole place looks like a junk room, with a general sense of chaos, filth, and slovenliness.

2. a sloppy or slipshod quality, as of work, research, writing, etc.:

   We’ve come to tolerate a shocking degree of slovenliness and illogic in what passes for educated writing.

Word History and Origins

Origin of slovenliness¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; slovenly ( def ) + -ness ( def )

Example Sentences

“If you compare them side by side with a thin individual, the kinds of bias that come up for people are going to include laziness, stupidity, sloth, waste, slovenliness,” Ponton said.

From Salon

This also speaks to the hollowness that all ideological language contains, to paraphrase Orwell, in its swindles and perversions, its slovenliness and vagueness.

From Salon

Our language “becomes ugly and inaccurate because our thoughts are foolish, but the slovenliness of our language makes it easier for us to have foolish thoughts.”

From Seattle Times

Our language "becomes ugly and inaccurate because our thoughts are foolish," George Orwell wrote, "but the slovenliness of our language makes it easier for us to have foolish thoughts."

From Salon

It becomes ugly and inaccurate because our thoughts are foolish, but the slovenliness of our language makes it easier for us to have foolish thoughts.

From Salon