shoddiness

IPA/ˈʃɒdinəs/
IPA/ˈʃɑːdinəs/

shoddiness — noun

1. the state in which something is made or built with very little care, using cheap

1.名詞C1
釋義

the state in which something is made or built with very little care, using cheap materials, so that it easily breaks or fails

例句

The shoddiness of the building materials became clear when the wall cracked after three months.

collocation: shoddiness of [building materials]

Customers complained about the shoddiness of the new furniture, which fell apart within weeks.

同義詞
  • poor quality

    more general term, less strong implication of carelessness or cheap materials

  • inferiority

    broader; can describe rank, status, or worth beyond physical quality

  • cheapness

    focuses on low cost or value; does not always imply poor workmanship

反義詞
  • quality

    general opposite; refers to high standard of manufacture

  • craftsmanship

    emphasises skill and care in making something

用法筆記

Commonly used of physical products, buildings, and construction projects. Often appears with nouns such as 'materials', 'housing', 'workmanship', or 'products'.

常見錯誤

❌The shoddiness of his cooking was clear.' (if meaning the food tasted bad)
✅The poor quality of his cooking was clear.
💡'shoddiness' is about careless making, not about subjective taste.

2. the lack of proper attention or decency that someone shows when dealing with oth

2.名詞C1
釋義

the lack of proper attention or decency that someone shows when dealing with other people, ignoring their needs or feelings

例句

Residents were angry at the shoddiness of the company's response to their noise complaints.

collocation: shoddiness of [response/service]

The shoddiness of the hotel's service left many guests feeling unwelcome and ignored.

同義詞
  • carelessness

    focuses on lack of attention; less strong than 'shoddiness', which implies active disregard

  • disrespect

    stronger and more personal; implies intentional rudeness rather than neglect

反義詞
  • consideration

    the quality of thinking about others' needs and feelings

  • respect

    treating others with proper care and attention

用法筆記

Subject is typically an organisation or a person's behaviour, not a physical object (e.g. 'the shoddiness of their response', 'the company's shoddiness'). Frequently used in formal or critical contexts.

常見錯誤

❌The shoddiness of the shoes was terrible.' (if meaning the quality of the shoes is poor)
✅The poor quality of the shoes was terrible.
💡use sense 1 for physical objects and sense 2 only for treatment or behaviour.