Slovenly

Slovenly describes a person or thing characterized by carelessness, messiness, and a lack of attention to cleanliness or order. It implies a disregard for conventional standards of neatness and tidiness, often extending to one's appearance, habits, or surroundings. A Slovenly individual may be unkempt, leaving items scattered, and exhibiting a general lack of decorum in their personal presentation. The term carries a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of consideration for oneself and/or others. It's not merely about being slightly untidy; it indicates a consistent and noticeable absence of care for maintaining a respectable appearance or environment. The degree of 'slovenliness' can range from mildly disorganized to thoroughly repulsive, depending on the context.

Slovenly meaning with examples

• The detective's apartment was notoriously slovenly; piles of files teetered precariously, coffee mugs stained with old rings littered every surface, and his attire was just as disorganized. Despite his unkempt appearance, his mind was razor sharp and quickly solved the case. His colleagues often whispered that his Slovenly habits were a mark of genius. Despite being a highly functioning human being, the condition of the apartment still had a negative effect.
• After the hurricane, the once-pristine coastline was a Slovenly mess. Debris was strewn across the beaches, twisted metal from collapsed structures lay half-buried in the sand, and the air hung heavy with the smell of decay. Recovery efforts were hampered by the Slovenly environment, which made it difficult to identify safe paths. Volunteers began the tedious task of cleaning up this Slovenly disaster, their energy and effort the only weapons they could fight with.
• Sarah was reprimanded for her Slovenly appearance in the courtroom. Her wrinkled clothes, unkempt hair, and smudged makeup reflected poorly on the firm she represented. The judge, a stickler for formality, expressed his disapproval, reminding her that professional attire was a sign of respect for the legal process. Her Slovenly choices cost her respect and the case, forcing Sarah to re-evaluate her choices and consider her professional image.
• The child's bedroom was a Slovenly reflection of his personality. Toys were scattered everywhere, clothes were strewn across the floor, and the desk was buried under a mountain of papers and unfinished projects. Parents tried countless times to maintain an orderly environment, but their efforts were often undermined by the child's playful nature and inability to keep things tidy. His parents realized that the child's Slovenly environment needed to be managed to change his behavior.
• The restaurant, once celebrated for its elegance, had become disgracefully slovenly. Tables were uncleaned, spills remained on the floor for hours, and the staff’s uniforms were rumpled and stained. The decline in standards was evident in every detail, reflecting a lack of pride in the establishment. The owners decided that they needed to focus on cleaning up their Slovenly habits or they would quickly fail as business owners.