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Synonyms

slatternly

American  
[slat-ern-lee] / ˈslæt ərn li /

adjective

  1. slovenly and untidy.

  2. characteristic or suggestive of a slattern.


adverb

  1. in the manner of a slattern.

Other Word Forms


Etymology

Origin of slatternly

First recorded in 1670–80; slattern + -ly


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

While Rebecca sees Mother Clarke as a “withered and slatternly old woman,” her neighbors perceive her as “cunning,” capable of making small charms.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 23, 2021

The main character is 14-year-old Simo, who lives in a Helsinki housing project with his slatternly mother and an older brother who is about to go to prison.

From New York Times ● Dec. 10, 2014

The piece, in tender, gloomy detail, compares the slatternly home of the single mother, all struggle and chaos, to the orderly, promising, more affluent home of her boss, who is married.

From Slate ● Jul. 16, 2012

Their idyll ends when Emily's slatternly mother wants to send her to live with her father, and David conspires to hide her in a concealed cave.

From The Guardian ● Mar. 21, 2010

There was a strip of carpet on the floor, a picture or two on the walls, and a deep, slatternly armchair drawn up to the fireplace.

From "1984" by George Orwell

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