sloppy
SLOP-ee
Sloppy (adj) means Careless, messy, or lacking neatness or precision. Example: “His handwriting is sloppy and hard to read.”
adj
1
Careless, messy, or lacking neatness or precision.
"His handwriting is sloppy and hard to read."
"That was a sloppy mistake — check your work next time."
How to use sloppy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMessy or careless, whether about appearance, work, or precision.
Common pairings
sloppy work
sloppy handwriting
get sloppy
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Word forms
- Comparative
- sloppier
- Superlative
- sloppiest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His handwriting is _____ and hard to read.
Etymology
Formed from "slop" (mess, spilled liquid) plus the adjective suffix "-y."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for sloppy
See all rhymes for 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.
