slovenly

comparative slovenlier · superlative slovenliest

1. Having an untidy appearance; unkempt.

   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?

   1857, M[arcellus] F. Cowdery, “Lesson XVI. Be Neat.”, in Elementary Moral Lessons For Schools and Families, Philadelphia: H. Cowperthwait & Co., page 132

   1 more example

   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.

   1796, “The Unexpected Reformation”, in The Blossoms of Morality, page 35

2. Dirty, unwashed; disorderly.
3. Careless or negligent; sloppy.

   You say my pamphlet betrays the most slovenly rashness. But where is your proof?

   1848 April 28, Joseph Barker, The Christian, volume IV, number XC/XCI

   1 more example

   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.

   1909 June 28, “Character Sketch. Sir Robert Stout; or, 'Tis Forty-Six Years Since.”, in W. T. Stead, editor, The Review of Reviews, volume XXXIX, →OCLC

comparative more slovenly · superlative most slovenly

1. In a slovenly manner.