sloven

UK: ˈslʌvən | US: ˈslʌvən

Definition
  1. n. a person who is habitually untidy, lazy, or careless in appearance or work.

Structure
slove <likely from Dutch *slof* (careless, negligent)>en <English noun suffix>
Etymology

The word "sloven" likely derives from the Dutch slof (meaning "careless" or "negligent"), combined with the English noun suffix -en. Over time, it evolved to describe someone who is habitually untidy or lazy, emphasizing a lack of attention to personal or professional standards. The term reflects a cultural association between negligence and physical or behavioral sloppiness.

Examples
  1. He was criticized for being a sloven, with his unkempt hair and wrinkled clothes.

  2. The office fired the sloven who consistently missed deadlines.

  3. Her roommate’s sloven habits made the apartment unbearable.

  4. A true sloven, he left dirty dishes piled in the sink for days.

  5. The teacher scolded the student for his sloven homework submissions.