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

His character, a slovenly, flatulent insult hurler leading a team of failed operatives, is, of course, more complex than that.

From Los Angeles Times

His personality is corrosive and his appearance both slovenly and increasingly disheveled.

From Salon

Last year's Oxford word of the year was "goblin mode", another slang term describing "unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly, or greedy" behaviour.

From BBC

On Nov. 29, the third season of the TV adaptation of his “Slow Horses” books, starring Gary Oldman as the slovenly Jackson Lamb, will begin airing on Apple TV+.

From New York Times

He played a sports talk radio host in Go On; a sports arena manager in Mr Sunshine; and a slovenly flatmate in The Odd Couple.

From BBC