slovenly

adjective

slov·​en·​ly ˈslə-vən-lē How to pronounce slovenly (audio)
 also  ˈslä-
1
a
: untidy especially in personal appearance
b
: lazily slipshod
slovenly in thought
2
: characteristic of a sloven
slovenly habits
slovenliness noun
slovenly adverb

Examples of slovenly in a Sentence

He dressed in a slovenly manner. for the sake of their image, the band members transformed themselves from clean-cut lads to slovenly rockers
Recent Examples on the Web Slough House is headed by the slovenly, flatulent, and frequently intoxicated Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman), who routinely heaps verbal abuse on his staff. Ars Staff, Ars Technica, 29 Dec. 2023 In this era of slovenly journalism and educational malpractice, National Review Institute’s devotion to authentic history, reasoned debate, and insightful commentary is invaluable. Peter J. Travers, National Review, 30 Dec. 2023 Keith Richards’ and Ron Wood’s guitars are crisp and uncluttered, with most of the slovenly strumming of the past banished. David Browne, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2023 Trump’s bizarre and slovenly behavior with classified material was a disgrace. Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 21 June 2023 Keith and Anita have been living as a slovenly, decadent version of a domestic family unit. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 30 May 2023 That’s what infused his slovenly pirate thing with such style. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 30 May 2023 Felix Unger was a fastidious commercial photographer; Oscar Madison was a slovenly sportswriter. Connor Letourneau, San Francisco Chronicle, 11 Apr. 2023 There’s no defense for the slovenly ethics of the past. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'slovenly.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1568, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of slovenly was circa 1568

Dictionary Entries Near slovenly

Cite this Entry

“Slovenly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slovenly. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

slovenly

adjective
slov·​en·​ly ˈsləv-ən-lē How to pronounce slovenly (audio)
1
a
: untidy especially in dress or person
b
: lazily careless
2
: characteristic of a sloven
slovenliness noun
slovenly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on slovenly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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