slatternly

[ slat-ern-lee ]

adjective

1. slovenly and untidy.
2. characteristic or suggestive of a slattern.

adverb

1. in the manner of a slattern.

Other Words From

• slattern·li·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of slatternly¹

First recorded in 1670–80; slattern + -ly

Example Sentences

He fell upon Mrs. Buttershaw, a slatternly and sour-visaged woman, and hurled at her a tornado of questions.

From Project Gutenberg

She needed the grooming––this neglected, listless, slatternly old maid of a craft.

From Project Gutenberg

He had heard much of the slatternly women of the hills, women who bore drudgery and children, and early became hags.

From Project Gutenberg

The slatternly servant, who could speak only "Mex," had got no supper ready.

From Project Gutenberg

After a little time a tall slatternly woman came to the door and looked sleepily out.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• contaminated
• crummy
• disheveled
• dusty
• filthy
• greasy
• grimy
• messy
• muddy
• murky
• nasty
• polluted
• sloppy
• stained
• unkempt