sloppy
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for sloppy, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Careless, messy, or lacking neatness or precision.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use sloppy
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Formed from "slop" (mess, spilled liquid) plus the adjective suffix "-y."
Full origin of sloppy →Frequently asked questions
What does “sloppy” mean?
The word “sloppy” means careless, messy, or lacking neatness or precision. In plain terms, messy or careless, whether about appearance, work, or precision.
How do you pronounce “sloppy”?
“Sloppy” is pronounced SLOP-ee (/ˈslɑ.pi/ in IPA).
How do you use “sloppy” in a sentence?
Here is “sloppy” used in a sentence: “His handwriting is sloppy and hard to read.”
What part of speech is “sloppy”?
“Sloppy” is an adjective.
Is “sloppy” a common word?
“Sloppy” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between sloppy and messy?
Sloppy often implies carelessness or a lack of precision in how something is done, while messy more generally describes disorder or untidiness in appearance.
Can sloppy describe work as well as physical mess?
Yes, sloppy commonly describes careless or imprecise work, writing, or habits, not just physical untidiness.
Is sloppy a formal or informal word?
Sloppy is an informal, everyday word and is best avoided in formal or professional writing, where "careless" or "imprecise" would be more suitable.