slovenly

IPA

Dictionary definition of slovenly

Characterized by a lack of care, attention, or cleanliness in one's appearance.
"John's slovenly appearance made it clear that he had not taken a shower in days."

Detailed meaning of slovenly

When someone is described as slovenly, it usually means that they are disheveled or untidy in their appearance, with unkempt hair, wrinkled or stained clothing, and an overall disorganized look. Slovenly behavior can manifest in various ways, such as neglecting personal hygiene, leaving a messy home or workspace, or failing to pay attention to details in their work or relationships. In short, the term slovenly suggests a lack of discipline, orderliness, and respect for oneself and others.

Example sentences containing slovenly

1. The slovenly man stumbled down the street, his shirt untucked and covered in stains.
2. The slovenly room was cluttered with dirty dishes and scattered clothing.
3. She scolded her slovenly roommate for leaving a mess in the kitchen.
4. His slovenly appearance made it clear that he didn't care about his personal hygiene.
5. The slovenly handwriting on the letter made it difficult to read.
6. The slovenly chef's unkempt appearance raised concerns about the cleanliness of the restaurant's kitchen.

History and etymology of slovenly

The adjective 'slovenly' traces its origins to the Middle English word 'sloven,' which referred to a person of untidy or careless habits. It entered the English language in the 16th century. 'Slovenly' is used to describe individuals or things that are characterized by a lack of care, attention, or cleanliness in their appearance. It suggests a disregard for neatness and orderliness. The etymology of 'slovenly' effectively conveys the idea of someone who appears unkempt and disheveled, often due to a lack of effort or concern for their appearance. Whether applied to a slovenly dressed person or a slovenly kept living space, this term conveys an impression of untidiness and negligence.

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Further usage examples of slovenly

1. Despite her slovenly attire, she had a brilliant mind and was highly respected in her field.
2. The slovenly student never bothered to tidy up his desk, causing frustration among his classmates.
3. His slovenly habits made it challenging for him to find misplaced items in his cluttered home.
4. The slovenly gardener neglected to trim the hedges and let the yard become overgrown.
5. The slovenly manner in which the project was executed resulted in a subpar outcome.
6. The slovenly waiter spilled food and drink as he clumsily served the customers.
7. Her slovenly grooming habits caused her hair to be constantly tangled and messy.
8. The slovenly repairman left behind a trail of tools and debris after fixing the broken appliance.
9. Despite his slovenly appearance, the homeless man had a kind heart and a gentle spirit.
10. The slovenly painter left drips of paint on the floor and didn't bother to clean up.
11. The slovenly driver weaved through traffic without using turn signals or obeying speed limits.
12. Her slovenly manners at the dinner table embarrassed her refined and proper family.
13. The slovenly bookkeeper's messy records caused confusion and errors in the company's finances.
14. The slovenly housekeeper's lack of attention to detail led to dusty surfaces and unkempt rooms.