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Sloppiness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sloppiness

[ˈslɑːpiˌnəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in work environment

The quality of not caring about the details or being careless in one's work.

Synonyms

carelessness, messiness, negligence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sloppiness

This is often used to describe a lack of attention to detail or a generally untidy manner. It can refer to both physical mess and a careless attitude towards tasks.

  • The sloppiness in her report was evident in the numerous spelling errors.
  • His sloppiness in the kitchen resulted in a dirty, chaotic space.
carelessness

Use this when referring to actions done without sufficient thought or attention, often leading to mistakes or accidents. It often has a negative connotation implying negligence or thoughtlessness.

  • His carelessness caused the car accident.
  • The carelessness with which the project was handled led to its failure.
messiness

This word is used to describe physical disorder and untidiness in a space. It is commonly used when referring to rooms, desks, or other areas that are not kept clean or organized.

  • The messiness in his room was overwhelming.
  • Her desk was a picture of messiness, with papers strewn everywhere.
negligence

This term is used in more formal or legal contexts to describe a serious lack of care that results in damage or harm. It implies a failure to fulfill a duty or responsibility.

  • The accident was due to the company's negligence in maintaining the equipment.
  • Her negligence in supervising the children could have resulted in a serious injury.

Examples of usage

  • Her sloppiness in the presentation led to a lot of errors.
  • The boss was not happy with the sloppiness of the report.
Context #2 | Noun

in personal habits

The state of being untidy or messy in appearance or behavior.

Synonyms

disorderliness, laziness, slovenliness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sloppiness

Sloppiness is used when someone is messy or careless in their work or appearance.

  • His sloppiness in his chores caused a lot of frustration for his family.
  • The sloppiness in the report was unacceptable.
slovenliness

Slovenliness is used for describing someone who is habitually messy and dirty, both in appearance and conduct. It notably carries a negative impression.

  • His slovenliness was evident from his untidy room.
  • The chef's slovenliness led to health code violations.
disorderliness

Disorderliness refers to a state of confusion and lack of organization, often implying messiness.

  • The disorderliness in the office made it hard to concentrate.
  • Her disorderliness was evident from the scattered documents.
laziness

Laziness describes someone who is unwilling to work or put in effort. It has a negative connotation.

  • His laziness is the reason why the project is still incomplete.
  • She was accused of laziness for not participating in the group activity.

Examples of usage

  • His sloppiness in dressing often gave a bad impression.
  • She was criticized for her sloppiness in keeping her room clean.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Sloppiness can indicate a relaxed or carefree attitude, suggesting a person might prioritize enjoyment over perfection.
  • Research shows that overly cluttered or sloppy environments can affect concentration and productivity negatively.
  • Conversely, a little sloppiness in creativity can foster innovation and out-of-the-box thinking.

Culture

  • In some cultures, sloppiness is seen as a lack of respect, impacting personal and professional relationships.
  • Art movements like Dada embraced sloppiness as a form of rebellion against traditional artistic norms.
  • In contemporary fashion, intentionally messy styles have become trendy, challenging the idea of polished appearances.

Literature

  • Sloppiness in writing often lends a raw and authentic voice, reflecting a character's personality or a time period.
  • Notable authors like Jack Kerouac used sloppiness in prose to evoke spontaneity and the beatnik spirit.
  • Critics argue that sloppiness in editing can undermine a story's impact and distract from its themes.

Origin of 'sloppiness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from 'sloppy' which first appeared in the 16th century, referring to wet or muddy areas.
  • Over time, 'sloppy' evolved to describe unkemptness or lack of care in appearance or work.
  • The suffix '-ness' is added to many adjectives in English to form nouns that represent a state or quality.

The word 'sloppiness' originates from the adjective 'sloppy' which dates back to the 17th century. It is derived from the verb 'slop' which means to spill or splash. Over time, 'sloppiness' came to signify a lack of neatness or care in various contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,649, 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.