Sloppy
/ˈslɑːpi/
adjectiveB1
Definition
Sloppy describes something done without care or attention, often looking untidy or messy. It can refer to work that is not done carefully, clothes that look messy, or behavior that is careless or not organized.
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See It in Action
Untidy or messy in appearance
- •He wore a sloppy shirt with stains on it.
- •The kitchen was sloppy after the party.
- •Her hair looked sloppy because she didn’t comb it.
Careless or not done carefully
- •The report was sloppy and full of mistakes.
- •Sloppy work can cause problems later.
- •Don’t be sloppy when you write your exam.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "sloppy" like "messy" (A1 word), but it also means careless or not paying attention, not just untidy
- ✓Picture a desk with papers all over, coffee spilled, and pens everywhere—this is a sloppy desk
- ✓It's the feeling when you rush and forget to check your work, and it looks bad or has mistakes
- ✓Sounds like "slop-py" → imagine something wet and spilling (slop), which makes a mess and looks careless
- ✓Remember a student who does homework quickly without checking—teachers call it sloppy work
- ✓NOT like "clean" (neat and tidy), "sloppy" means the opposite—untidy or careless
- ✓NOT like "lazy" (not wanting to work), "sloppy" focuses on how something looks or is done, not why
- ✓NOT like "rough" (strong or harsh), "sloppy" is about being untidy or careless, not about strength
Try Other Words
- •Careless: not paying enough attention (Use when focusing on the lack of attention or effort)
- •Untidy: not neat or clean (Use when focusing on appearance only)
- •Messy: disorderly or dirty (Use in everyday situations about things or places)
- •Neglectful: not giving enough care or attention (Use in more serious or formal contexts)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: No clear prefix or suffix; "slop" (spill, mess) + "-y" (adjective ending meaning "full of" or "characterized by")
- •Etymology: From English "slop" meaning spilled liquid or mess, with "-y" added to describe qualities
- •Historical development: Used since the 1800s to describe things or people that are untidy or careless
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in everyday language to describe messy appearance or careless work or behavior
Reflect & Connect
•Can something be sloppy but still work well? How do you feel about that?
•When is being sloppy acceptable, and when is it a problem?
Fill in the blanks
1.The sloppy report had many ___ that could have been avoided with more care.
2.She wore a sloppy jacket because she was in a ___ hurry.
3.Unlike neat handwriting, sloppy writing is often ___ to read.
4.When someone is sloppy, they usually do not pay ___ to details.
5.The kitchen looked sloppy after cooking, with pots and pans ___ everywhere.
6.He was criticized for sloppy work, which caused ___ in the project.
7.To avoid being sloppy, you should always ___ your work carefully before finishing.