sloppy

adjective

slop·​py ˈslä-pē 

sloppier; sloppiest

1

a

: wet so as to spatter easily : slushy

a sloppy racetrack

b

: wet or smeared with or as if with something slopped over

2

: slovenly, careless

a sloppy dresser

did sloppy work

3

: disagreeably effusive

sloppy sentimentalism

sloppily

ˈslä-pə-lē 

adverb

sloppiness noun

Synonyms

• messy
• slovenly
• wrinkled
• shaggy
• untidy
• unkempt
• blowsy
• filthy
• dowdy
• chaotic
• frowsy

Examples of sloppy in a Sentence

Your work has been very sloppy lately.

a sloppy child who always seems to have spilled something on his clothes

Recent Examples on the Web

Toronto talks often about turning the page — leaving sloppy play or outside noise in the previous night. —Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025

They’re known for their sloppy juan– brisket trimmings and pulled pork in a flour tortilla. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Aug. 2025

MacIntyre made bogies on the first, third and fifth holes to card a sloppy 38 on his front nine. —Bennett Conlin, Baltimore Sun, 17 Aug. 2025

After a lengthy rain delay that lasted over three hours, Orlando City (13-6-8, 47 points) overcame a sloppy first half to defeat Sporting Kansas City 3-1 on Saturday night. —Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing sloppy

• sloppy joe

Rhymes for sloppy

• choppy
• copy
• floppy
• poppy
• atopy
• photocopy

Kids Definition

sloppy

adjective

slop·​py ˈsläp-ē 

sloppier; sloppiest

1

a

: wet so as to spatter easily : slushy

b

: wet with or as if with something slopped over

2

: slovenly, careless

a sloppy dresser

3

: overly sentimental

sloppily

ˈsläp-ə-lē 

adverb

sloppiness

ˈsläp-ē-nəs

noun