WordDream · Your AI dictionary

slovenly

English → EnglishliteraryInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "slovenly": Slovenly describes someone or something that is untidy, messy, or careless in appearance, habits, or

What does "slovenly" mean?

Slovenly describes someone or something that is untidy, messy, or careless in appearance, habits, or work. The mental image is of a person wearing stained, wrinkled clothing with unkempt hair, or a space left in a state of disorganized neglect. It is a formal, often judgmental term that implies a lack of self-respect or discipline rather than just being busy. It is commonly used to criticize personal hygiene or the poor quality of someone’s work, such as a "slovenly performance" or a "slovenly housekeeper."

"slovenly" in conversation

Workplace review

Your reports have been incredibly slovenly lately.

Your reports have been incredibly slovenly lately.

I apologize; I’ve been rushing to meet the deadline.

I apologize; I’ve been rushing to meet the deadline.

Used here to describe careless, low-quality work.

Roommate argument

I can’t live in this slovenly mess anymore.

I can’t live in this slovenly mess anymore.

It’s just a few clothes on the floor, relax.

It’s just a few clothes on the floor, relax.

Used to describe a neglected, untidy physical environment.

"slovenly" in a sentence

  1. He was criticized for his slovenly appearance at the interview.

    He was criticized for his slovenly appearance at the interview.

  2. The slovenly state of the kitchen suggested that no one had cleaned for weeks.

    The slovenly state of the kitchen suggested that no one had cleaned for weeks.

  3. Her slovenly habits eventually cost her the promotion she had worked so hard for.

    Her slovenly habits eventually cost her the promotion she had worked so hard for.

Not another dictionary

An AI-native multilingual dictionary: decode the words other dictionaries can't handle.

WordDream explains every word the way a teacher would, with real-life scenes, graded examples, audio and a picture. It also covers what traditional dictionaries miss: names, places, proper nouns, internet slang, and words that don't translate.

And it isn't just English. Look up words in any language, keep a multilingual Notebook, and turn your saved words into stories with Spin a yarn.

Try WordDream: Look up a wordOpen “slovenly” in WordDream

Free account · sign in to use features

More everyday & curious words

Browse the whole set in Everyday & Curious Words.

Explained by WordDream, an AI-native multilingual dictionary.