slovenly

Valid in Scrabble

Scrabble points
14
Words With Friends
17
Letters
8
Pronunciation
/ˈslʌv.ən.li/
See all 3 pronunciations
/ˈslʌv.ən.li/ · /ˈslʌv.ən.li/(UK) · /ˈslɒv.ən.li/(UK)

Definition of slovenly

4 senses · 2 parts of speech · etymology included

adj

  1. Having an untidy appearance; unkempt.
    “The same marks of indolence appeared in the care of his person; for every part of his dress was generally in disorder; and, though he was well made and handsome, yet his slovenly appearance made him disgustful to every one.”
    “Which would you sooner employ, a boy who was plainly, yet neatly clad, or one who had a slovenly appearance, though dressed in fine clothes?”
See all 4 definitions

adj

  1. Having an untidy appearance; unkempt.
    “The same marks of indolence appeared in the care of his person; for every part of his dress was generally in disorder; and, though he was well made and handsome, yet his slovenly appearance made him disgustful to every one.”
    “Which would you sooner employ, a boy who was plainly, yet neatly clad, or one who had a slovenly appearance, though dressed in fine clothes?”
  2. Dirty, unwashed; disorderly.
  3. Careless or negligent; sloppy.
    “You say my pamphlet betrays the most slovenly rashness. But where is your proof?”
    “British goods have often been despatched in such careless and slovenly fashion that they arrived half broken. The same goods supplied by Germans were packed with such admirable care that they reached their destination quite safely.”

adv

  1. In a slovenly manner.

Definitions from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA.

Etymology

From sloven + -ly.

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