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Shoddiness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shoddiness

[หˆสƒษ’diหŒnษชs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

quality of being poorly made or done

Shoddiness refers to the state or quality of being poorly made or done. It is characterized by inferior craftsmanship or low-quality materials, resulting in a lack of durability or reliability.

Synonyms

inferiority, poor-quality, substandard.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shoddiness

Used to describe something that is poorly made or constructed, often implying a careless or negligent approach. It frequently carries a negative connotation.

  • The shoddiness of the building became apparent after the first heavy rain
inferiority

Refers to the lower quality or status of something compared to a standard or to other similar things. It can also relate to feelings of personal inadequacy.

  • The inferiority of their product was evident when compared to the leading brand
poor-quality

A straightforward term used to describe something that fails to meet expected standards in terms of materials, workmanship, or overall performance.

  • The shoes were poor-quality and started falling apart after just a week
substandard

Implies that something does not meet established standards or expectations of quality. Often used in official or formal contexts.

  • The inspector found multiple substandard parts in the manufacturer's shipment

Examples of usage

  • The shoddiness of the furniture was evident in its wobbly legs and flimsy construction.
  • The company's reputation suffered due to the shoddiness of their products.
  • Customers were dissatisfied with the shoddiness of the workmanship on the car.
  • The shoddiness of the building's construction became apparent after it started to deteriorate quickly.
  • His shoddiness in completing the project on time cost him the contract.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Context

  • The phrase 'shoddy workmanship' is frequently used in discussions about construction, highlighting the risks of hiring inexperienced workers.
  • In art and crafts, products marked by shoddiness are often criticized for lacking authenticity and creativity.
  • Social commentary during the Industrial Revolution often highlighted shoddiness in mass-produced goods as a consequence of prioritizing profit over quality.

Impact on Society

  • Shoddiness can contribute to a cycle of consumer waste, as poorly made items often end up in landfills more quickly.
  • The rise of fast fashion has made shoddiness a major concern, with clothing items often having a very short lifespan.
  • Shoddiness in products can lead to unsafe conditions, particularly in childrenโ€™s toys or furniture that may pose hazards.

Psychology

  • Perceptions of shoddiness can influence consumer trust, making people hesitant to buy from brands that have a reputation for poor quality.
  • Cognitive dissonance may occur when consumers realize they have purchased something of shoddy quality, leading to regret and dissatisfaction.
  • Research suggests that individuals often associate high prices with better quality, hence why shoddiness can be an instant turn-off.

Literature

  • The theme of shoddiness appears in literary works, often symbolizing deeper societal issues such as industrialization's impact on human craftsmanship.
  • Novels set during the Industrial Revolution highlight characters who struggle against the prevalence of shoddy goods, representing a loss of individual artistry.
  • In modern literature, shoddiness is often used as a metaphor for broken dreams or diminishing standards in society.

Origin of 'shoddiness'

Main points about word origin

  • Originally derived from the term 'shoddy' which referred to a type of cheap wool made from recycled fibers in the 19th century.
  • By the late 1800s, the term began to be associated with anything that was poorly made or of low quality.
  • The connection between economy and quality can be traced back to its use in the textile industry as cheaper materials became more common.

The word 'shoddiness' originated from the term 'shoddy', which dates back to the early 19th century. Originally used to describe reclaimed wool used in cheap clothing, 'shoddy' eventually came to be associated with anything of inferior quality or workmanship. The addition of the suffix '-ness' transformed 'shoddy' into 'shoddiness', emphasizing the poor state or quality of something. Over time, 'shoddiness' has become a common term used to critique substandard craftsmanship or materials.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,983, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.