Word
sloppy
Phoneticsslop·py, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsɫɑpi/
UK/slˈɒpi/
Definitions
01careless or messy
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. done without enough care or effort.
adj. characterised by a lack of care, precision, or attention to detail. Often used to describe work, thinking, or habits.
“The report was full of sloppy mistakes because he finished it in a hurry.”
“The editor rejected the manuscript, citing sloppy research and a general lack of coherent argumentation throughout the middle chapters.”
Antonyms
02loose or ill-fitting
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. large and loose in a way that looks untidy.
adj. fitting loosely or hanging in an untidy fashion. Frequently collocates with items of clothing like sweaters or jeans.
“He wore a sloppy old sweater while he worked in the garden.”
“She preferred wearing sloppy, oversized sweatshirts during long flights to ensure maximum comfort during the overnight journey.”
03overly emotional
C1 · Advanced Informal
adj. showing too much emotion in a way that feels silly or annoying.
adj. excessively sentimental or emotional. Often carries a slightly derogatory tone regarding the lack of emotional restraint.
“I don't like those sloppy romantic movies where everyone is always crying.”
“The critic dismissed the finale as a sloppy display of sentimentality that failed to resolve the complex themes established earlier in the series.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Porto pushed the English giants back for the rest of the second half but lacked the quality to punish Enzo Maresca’s men despite a series of sloppy errors from the visitors.” Etymology
From slop + -y.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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