sloppily
/ˈslɒpɪli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈslɑːpɪli/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈsläpə̇lē -li/ (ame, mw)
sloppily — adverb
1. done through lack of proper attention or effort, so that the result shows clear
done through lack of proper attention or effort, so that the result shows clear flaws or is unfinished.
The carpenter fitted the shelves so sloppily that they slanted to the left.
fit + sloppily (poor craftsmanship)
Mei-Lin had to redo her maths homework because she had written it sloppily.
The report was compiled sloppily, with several pages missing and the numbers added incorrectly.
If you wash the dishes sloppily, bits of food will still be stuck to the plates.
- carelessly
most direct synonym; interchangeable in most contexts but slightly weaker on the 'resulting mess' nuance
- negligently
more formal; implies a failure to meet a duty or standard, sometimes with legal consequences
- hastily
emphasises speed over quality; a hastily written note can still be neat, whereas a sloppily written one cannot
文法句型
verb + sloppily
用法筆記
Common with verbs describing productive or maintenance tasks: write, sew, build, prepare, clean, fix. The result is always noticeable — either incomplete, incorrect, or messy.
常見錯誤
2. with a careless attitude towards one's clothes, so that the overall appearance i
with a careless attitude towards one's clothes, so that the overall appearance is unkempt and loose-fitting.
The teenager showed up at the formal dinner dressed sloppily in an old hoodie and sweatpants.
dressed sloppily + formal setting (inappropriate)
Even on casual Fridays, the manager warned staff not to dress too sloppily.
Wei had a habit of wearing his uniform sloppily, with the shirt untucked and the collar wrinkled.
The tour guide arrived sloppily dressed in shorts and sandals, which upset the guests.
文法句型
dress + sloppily
用法筆記
Applies specifically to clothing and personal appearance. Often contrasts with a context that expects neatness: a wedding, a job interview, a formal dinner.
3. with an excessive amount of liquid, causing drips, spills, or an unappealing run
with an excessive amount of liquid, causing drips, spills, or an unappealing runny texture.
The sauce was poured sloppily, leaving a big puddle of oil on the plate.
pour + sloppily (excess liquid, messy result)
Priya wiped the table sloppily with a wet cloth, leaving streaks of water everywhere.
The wall had been painted sloppily, with thick white drips running all the way to the floor.
Arjun ate his soup so sloppily that some of it spilled onto the tablecloth.
- neatly
in a tidy, controlled way
文法句型
pour/serve + sloppily
用法筆記
Unlike sense 1 (carelessly), this sense focuses specifically on the texture — too wet, too runny, or uncontrolled liquid. It is most common in cooking, painting, and cleaning contexts.
4. expressing feelings with so little restraint that the result seems awkward or in
expressing feelings with so little restraint that the result seems awkward or inappropriate for the situation.
Mr. Okonkwo thanked his colleagues sloppily at the farewell party, his voice cracking with emotion.
thank + sloppily (awkward over-emotion in public)
The film's final scene ended sloppily with slow-motion hugs and tearful violin music.
Maki wrote sloppily in her diary, pouring out every feeling in long, messy sentences.
The bride's father spoke sloppily during his toast, going on too long about how much he would miss her.
- sentimentally
less negative; can be neutral or even positive (a sentimental keepsake)
- mawkishly
more literary; describes emotion that feels fake or forced
- gushily
informal; describes exaggerated praise or affection
- stoically
enduring emotion without showing it
- restrainedly
keeping feelings under control
文法句型
verb + sloppily (expressing feelings)
用法筆記
Disapproving. Describes emotion that is poorly controlled or inappropriately intense for the setting — a formal speech, a public farewell, a movie's ending. Not used for genuinely heartfelt moments unless they cross into awkwardness.