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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 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 See all Example Sentences for slovenly 

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 22 Nov. 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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