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.

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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

It 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 Salon • Dec. 27, 2021

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

What was taken by outsiders to be slackness, slovenliness or even generosity was in fact a full recognition of the legitimacy of forces other than good ones.

From "Sula" by Toni Morrison