slovenly

adjective

slov·​en·​ly ˈslə-vən-lē 

 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

Synonyms

• blowsy
• blowzy
• dowdy
• frowsy
• frowzy
• slobbish
• slobby
• sloppy
• sloven
• unkempt
• untidy

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 but is nonetheless a brilliant spymaster in his own smelly way. —Ars Technica, 24 Dec. 2024

Corruption within the organization, after all, is as much a part of the show as Jackson Lamb’s slovenly habits and horrible diet. —Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2024

To them, flame is slovenly, backward, even atavistic, tolerable only when used for ceremonial purposes. —Stephen Pyne, Scientific American, 16 Apr. 2024

Giraffes at least keep the water sports to themselves; their slovenly, muck-loving neighbors, on the other hand, spread the excrement far and wide. —Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 13 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1568, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

slovenly

adjective

slov·​en·​ly ˈsləv-ən-lē 

1

a

: untidy especially in dress or person

b

: lazily careless

2

: characteristic of a sloven

slovenliness noun

slovenly adverb