Slapdash Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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slapdash

[ˈslæpˌdæʃ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in a hurry

Done too hurriedly and carelessly.

Synonyms

careless, haphazard, hasty.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
slapdash	Used to describe something done quickly and without care or effort. Usually suggests a lazy or insufficient approach. Their report was quite slapdash, lacking in important details. The repairs were done in a slapdash manner, leading to more issues later.
haphazard	Describes something that is done in a random, disorganized, or unplanned way. Often implies chaos or lack of a clear method. The books were arranged in a haphazard fashion. His haphazard approach to the project confused everyone.
careless	Indicates a lack of attention, thought, or consideration, often leading to mistakes or accidents. It's generally a more broad term than the others. He made a careless mistake on the test. Her careless handling of the situation caused problems.
hasty	Implies that something is done too quickly and without sufficient thought or consideration, often resulting in errors or poor quality. She made a hasty decision without considering all the facts. His hasty response caused confusion.

Examples of usage

He made a slapdash job of painting the fence.
The slapdash approach to the project resulted in many mistakes.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

in a careless manner

In a hasty and careless manner.

Synonyms

carelessly, haphazardly, hastily.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
slapdash	Use this word when describing a task or piece of work done without care or attention to detail. The report looked slapdash, with many spelling mistakes and unclear sections. The construction was so slapdash that the walls started to crack within a few months.
hastily	This word describes actions done quickly, often under pressure, and with little careful thought. It can imply urgency but also a lack of thoroughness. She hastily packed her bags and rushed to the airport. The builder hastily finished the project, leading to many flaws in the structure.
carelessly	This word applies to actions done without any caution or attention. It often implies a disregard for potential consequences. He carelessly left the stove on, which could have started a fire. She carelessly threw her clothes on the floor instead of putting them away.
haphazardly	Use this word for actions or arrangements done in a random, disorganized way without any planning. It highlights a lack of order. The tools were haphazardly scattered across the garage floor. Books were haphazardly stacked on the shelves, making it hard to find anything.

Examples of usage

She completed the task slapdash, without paying attention to details.
He drove slapdash through the crowded streets.

Translations

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

Origin of 'slapdash'

The term 'slapdash' originated in the mid-17th century, combining 'slap' (sudden or hasty) with 'dash' (throw), reflecting the idea of something done hastily or carelessly. It has been used to describe careless or hasty actions or work ever since.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,991, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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