slovenly

American  

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

adjective

slovenlier, slovenliest

1. untidy or unclean in appearance or habits.

   Synonyms:

   slatternly, slutty

   Antonyms:

   neat

2. characteristic of a sloven; slipshod.

   slovenly work.

   Synonyms:

   disorderly, loose, careless

   Antonyms:

   careful

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adverb

1. in an untidy, careless, or slipshod manner.

slovenly British  

/ ˈslʌvənlɪ /

adjective

1. frequently or habitually unclean or untidy

2. negligent and careless; slipshod

   slovenly manners

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adverb

1. in a negligent or slovenly manner

Other Word Forms

• slovenliness noun

Etymology

Origin of slovenly

First recorded in 1505–15; sloven + -ly

Example Sentences

Plus, as sleepwear styles become more fashionable, it’s hard to think of them as strictly for the slovenly set.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 26, 2026

In that instance, the public were given the chance to choose the overall winner, opting for the term describing "unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly or greedy" behaviour.

From Barron's • Dec. 1, 2025

His character, a slovenly, flatulent insult hurler leading a team of failed operatives, is, of course, more complex than that.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 3, 2024

He played a sports talk radio host in Go On; a sports arena manager in Mr Sunshine; and a slovenly flatmate in The Odd Couple.

From BBC • Oct. 29, 2023

When driven with his mates to the new owners’ camp, Buck saw a slipshod and slovenly affair, tent half stretched, dishes unwashed, everything in disorder; also, he saw a woman.

From "The Call of the Wild" by Jack London