slovenliness

American  

[sluhv-uhn-lee-nis, slov-] / ˈslʌv ən li nɪs, ˈslɒv- /

noun

1. the state or quality of being untidy or unclean in appearance or habits; the character of a slob.

   The whole place looks like a junk room, with a general sense of chaos, filth, and slovenliness.

2. a sloppy or slipshod quality, as of work, research, writing, etc..

   We’ve come to tolerate a shocking degree of slovenliness and illogic in what passes for educated writing.

---

Etymology

Origin of slovenliness

First recorded in 1595–1605; slovenly ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

But Vera, the character, is far more than that, and not just because Blethyn infuses her with such a captivating mix of slovenliness and precision, prickliness and empathy.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 9, 2025

Our language “becomes ugly and inaccurate because our thoughts are foolish, but the slovenliness of our language makes it easier for us to have foolish thoughts.”

From Seattle Times • Feb. 22, 2023

Our language "becomes ugly and inaccurate because our thoughts are foolish," George Orwell wrote, "but the slovenliness of our language makes it easier for us to have foolish thoughts."

From Salon • Jan. 13, 2023

And it seems like our writer’s husband wants to live his slovenly life and be pursued by a woman who is put off by slovenliness.

From Slate • Jun. 18, 2021

Who knows how many quarrels, false accusations, unnecessary dismissals, how many promising careers cut short can be attributed to a butler's slovenliness at the stage of drawing up the staff plan?

From "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro