sloppiness
/ˈslɒpinəs/ (bre, ipa) · [slˈɑpinəs] /ˈslɑːpinəs/ (ame, ipa) · [slˈɑpinəs] /-pēnə̇s, -pin-/ (ame, mw)
sloppiness — noun
1. the habit or quality of doing things in a messy, careless way because you do not
the habit or quality of doing things in a messy, careless way because you do not give them enough attention or effort.
Christopher's sloppiness left blue paint on the stairs and brushes in the sink.
sloppiness shown through messy results in daily work
The report showed sloppiness, with two wrong dates and a missing page.
After weeks of sloppiness in training, Mateo dropped two simple catches.
Customers noticed the cafe's sloppiness when dirty cups stayed on tables all afternoon.
- carelessness
the closest neutral synonym; 'sloppiness' more strongly suggests visible mess or poor standards
- untidiness
focuses more on disorder in appearance or space, less on weak effort
用法筆記
Common after 'in' or 'with' when you name the work, behaviour, or result affected. Distinguish from sense 2, which is about how clothes look rather than how someone works.
常見錯誤
2. the untidy, oversized look of clothes that hang too loosely or do not sit neatly
the untidy, oversized look of clothes that hang too loosely or do not sit neatly on the body.
The sloppiness of his oversized suit made him look tired at the interview.
sloppiness of + clothing item
Layla liked the sloppiness of the old sweater falling off one shoulder.
The costume needed less sloppiness, so Aoi tightened the belt and cuffs.
The designer balanced the jacket's sloppiness with polished shoes and a neat bag.
- bagginess
focuses on extra width or looseness, without necessarily suggesting untidiness
- rumpledness
stresses wrinkles more than oversized fit
用法筆記
Usually used when talking about fit or styling, especially jackets, sweaters, or suits. It can be negative, but in fashion talk it may also describe a look someone chooses on purpose.
3. a condition where something has too much water in it, so it becomes thin, soft,
a condition where something has too much water in it, so it becomes thin, soft, or unpleasant.
The sloppiness of the oatmeal made Ezra pour it back into the pan.
sloppiness of food that has become too watery
After the storm, the sloppiness of the yard soaked Stefan's shoes in minutes.
The cook fixed the sauce's sloppiness by adding more cheese before dinner.
Nurses watched the baby's stool because its sloppiness had lasted three days.
用法筆記
Often used about food, mixtures, or wet ground. Distinguish from sense 1: here the problem is texture or wetness, not poor effort.
4. the quality of seeming foolish because the feelings shown are too soft, sweet, o
the quality of seeming foolish because the feelings shown are too soft, sweet, or emotional.
Critics mocked the sloppiness of the film's final speech and sudden tears.
sloppiness in writing or performance
Saira crossed out one line because its sloppiness felt wrong for her boss.
The play avoided sloppiness by keeping the family scene short and quiet.
Fans loved the song, but Tamar heard only sloppiness in the sugary chorus.
- sentimentality
more formal and the nearest match when the problem is too much emotion
- silliness
broader and can cover childish behaviour as well as emotional excess
- restraint
shows controlled feeling instead of emotional overflow
- seriousness
suggests a firmer and less childish tone
用法筆記
Used when an emotional effect feels excessive or childish instead of sincere. Often applied to songs, speeches, cards, or scenes in stories.