slovenly
/ˈslʌv.ən.li/
Word Rarity
Very rare
Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.21 in modern English
14
Scrabble Score
8
Letters
3
Syllables
7
Unique Chars
Meaning
adj
Having an untidy appearance; unkempt.
adj
adv
In a slovenly manner.
Example Sentences
- "The same marks of indolence appeared in the care of his person; for every part of his dress was generally in disorder; and, though he was well made and handsome, yet his slovenly appearance made him disgustful to every one."
- "Which would you sooner employ, a boy who was plainly, yet neatly clad, or one who had a slovenly appearance, though dressed in fine clothes?"
- "You say my pamphlet betrays the most slovenly rashness. But where is your proof?"
- "British goods have often been despatched in such careless and slovenly fashion that they arrived half broken. The same goods supplied by Germans were packed with such admirable care that they reached their destination quite safely."
Etymology
Etymology tree English sloven Proto-Indo-European *leyg-der. Proto-Germanic *līkąder. Proto-Germanic *-līkaz Proto-West Germanic *-līk Old English -līċ Middle English -ly English -ly English slovenly From sloven + -ly.
Regional Pronunciation
- British English: /ˈslʌv.ən.li/
Inflected Forms
slovenlier (comparative)
slovenliest (superlative)
more slovenly (comparative)
most slovenly (superlative)