sloppy

adjective

slop·​py ˈslä-pē 

sloppier; sloppiest

1

a

: wet so as to spatter easily : slushy

a sloppy racetrack

b

: wet or smeared with or as if with something slopped over

2

: slovenly, careless

a sloppy dresser

did sloppy work

3

: disagreeably effusive

sloppy sentimentalism

sloppily

ˈslä-pə-lē 

adverb

sloppiness noun

Synonyms

• messy
• slovenly
• wrinkled
• shaggy
• untidy
• unkempt
• blowsy
• filthy
• dowdy
• chaotic
• frowsy

Examples of sloppy in a Sentence

Your work has been very sloppy lately.

a sloppy child who always seems to have spilled something on his clothes

Recent Examples on the Web

An overstuffed tracklist and slightly sloppy sequencing prevent the record from fully realizing its potential, but over the course of an hour-plus, Cardi sufficiently reminds us why the crown was hers to return for in the first place. —Kyle Denis, Billboard, 25 Sep. 2025

Demonstrate the discipline necessary to eliminate sloppy turnovers and other careless plays, like the penalties. —Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 25 Sep. 2025

Despite a sloppier Week 3 game against the Chargers, the Broncos' offensive line still ranks first in the NFL in pass-block win rate through three games, according to ESPN . —Luca Evans, Denver Post, 24 Sep. 2025

The focus ring turns comfortably, with enough resistance to allow for precise focus, avoiding the sloppy action of too-loose focus systems. —PC Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing sloppy

• sloppy joe

Rhymes for sloppy

• choppy
• copy
• floppy
• poppy
• atopy
• photocopy

Kids Definition

sloppy

adjective

slop·​py ˈsläp-ē 

sloppier; sloppiest

1

a

: wet so as to spatter easily : slushy

b

: wet with or as if with something slopped over

2

: slovenly, careless

a sloppy dresser

3

: overly sentimental

sloppily

ˈsläp-ə-lē 

adverb

sloppiness

ˈsläp-ē-nəs

noun