Sloppily - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

used in speaking or writing

In a careless or messy manner; not neat or tidy.

Synonyms

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sloppily	Used to describe something done in an unorganized or messy manner. Often implies lack of effort or precision. He completed his homework sloppily and made many mistakes. The room was cleaned sloppily and still looked dirty.
carelessly	Used when something is done without attention or consideration. Might lead to mistakes or accidents. She carelessly left the stove on, which could have caused a fire. He carelessly forgot to lock the door.
untidily	Used to describe something that is not clean or neat, often used for appearance or organization. His clothes were strewn untidily across the floor. The workspace was untidily arranged, with papers everywhere.
haphazardly	Describes actions or arrangements that are done randomly, without planning or organization. Books were haphazardly stacked on the shelves. He haphazardly threw items into his suitcase.

Examples of usage

She performed the task sloppily, with little attention to detail.
He sloppily applied the paint, resulting in a messy finish.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Studies show that sloppy work can be linked to a lack of attention and focus, leading to mistakes.
Perfectionism can often make people overly critical of themselves when they do things sloppily, affecting their mental health.
Creating a tidy environment has been shown to help reduce feelings of chaos, countering the effects of sloppiness.

Cultural Perceptions

In some cultures, being 'sloppy' is seen as a sign of laziness, while in others, it might be viewed as creativity or spontaneity.
Fashion trends sometimes embrace 'sloppy' styles, celebrating comfort over strict neatness.
In professional settings, sloppiness may lead to negative perceptions and affect career advancement, emphasizing neatness.

Literature

Writers often use sloppiness in characters to highlight flaws or relatability, making them more human.
Novels frequently depict sloppiness as a narrative device, symbolizing chaos during times of personal conflict or growth.
Poetry can reflect sloppiness in form, signifying emotional rawness and authenticity.

Education

Teachers often address 'sloppy' work to encourage improvement in students’ attention to detail.
Practicing neatness in handwriting and presentations can lead to better grades and clearer communication.
Students are taught that sloppiness in projects can affect their reliability, pushing them to strive for quality.

Origin of 'sloppily'

Main points about word origin

The word 'sloppily' comes from the adjective 'sloppy,' which originated in the early 19th century.
The root 'slop' has ties to the idea of spilling or being messy, likely from farming or household contexts.
It reflects the nature of 'slopping' around, which means moving in a clumsy or careless manner.

The adverb 'sloppily' is derived from the adjective 'sloppy,' which originated in the late 18th century, meaning 'muddy' or 'watery.' Over time, it evolved to describe something untidy or careless. The adverb form 'sloppily' has been used in the English language to convey a lack of neatness or precision since the 19th century.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,401, 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.

...
36398 retched
36399 escudo
36400 immunogen
36401 sloppily
36402 millilitre
36403 prattled
36404 deregulating
...

Sloppily Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations