slapdash

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'slapdash' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word 'slapdash' to describe something that has been done in a careless or haphazard way. For example, "The painter did a slapdash job on the wall; the lines were wobbly and some of the paint is already peeling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This should include support offered to all those with a diagnosis and the end of perfunctory, slapdash homecare visits.

The Guardian

Her characters were wooden, her plots slapdash and her settings – generic ruined castles and spooky old houses – were like a Hollywood set; look round the back and you could see the struts holding up the painted hardboard.

The Guardian - Opinion

Booked, yet again, for an unnecessary, clumsy challenge on his former team-mate David Meyler and responsible for two goals scored by Hull – one a sensationally slapdash backpass – Cattermole indicated he is not a player Gus Poyet can trust during the all important Premier League run in against relegation.

The Guardian - Sport

After more slapdash Liverpool defending and with Martin Skrtel backing off, Adam strode through to drive low into the corner before Steve N'Zonzi bent a magnificent shot past Mignolet from outside the area.

The Guardian - Sport

Despite the odd scandal, people are relatively satisfied with their local policing (indeed, most think crime is lower in their area than it is nationally)—and publicity for the new roles was rushed and slapdash.

The Economist

The most obvious is that, as a result of its functioning democracy, zealous bureaucracy and timorous or lethargic governments, Britain has a slapdash approach to heritage.

The Economist

Try as it would to stand solid after its founders, the tempestuous Charles and Maurice Saatchi, flounced out at the start of 1995, Cordiant could not repair the cracks left by their slapdash corporate castle-building in the 1980s.It is an amicable split by the blood-drenched standards of the company's history.

The Economist

Given past form it is much more likely to be slow, slapdash and perilous.

The Economist

Silicon Valley's resistance to improved corporate governance is also reflected in the slapdash attitude to accounting for share options that has resulted in the recent backdating scandal, which mostly involves west-coast firms.

The Economist

The accusation is that they were slapdash in their analysis (in particular, the small tremors would normally be regarded as shifting the odds towards expecting a quake, not away from it) and cavalier about publicising their conclusions which should have been that the risk of a quake had, indeed, risen and that people died as a result.

The Economist

They are critical of Mr Blair's slapdash "sofa" governing, but they are appalled by the consequences for good government if nearly every aspect of policy is decided by a tiny coterie of Brown loyalists from the Treasury.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a task or action as "slapdash", ensure the context clearly illustrates the resulting lack of quality or attention to detail. This helps to emphasize the negative consequences of the haphazard approach.

Common error

Avoid using "slapdash" without providing specific examples of the carelessness or lack of attention that characterizes the action. Simply labeling something as "slapdash" without context can make your writing seem vague and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "slapdash" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something done carelessly or hastily. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Examples show it describing "homecare visits", "plots", and "defending", among other things.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slapdash" functions as an adjective used to describe something done carelessly or hastily. Ludwig AI validates that it is correct and usable in written English, frequently appearing in News & Media. When using "slapdash", ensure that the context illustrates the lack of quality or attention to detail. Common synonyms include "careless", "haphazard", and "sloppy". While versatile, avoid overuse in formal writing where precise alternatives are preferred. Remember that while the term is acceptable, it is essential to give it context to enhance its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

careless

Focuses on the lack of attention and diligence.

haphazard

Emphasizes the lack of planning or organization.

slipshod

Highlights the poor quality and lack of care in execution.

sloppy

Stresses the messiness and lack of precision.

negligent

Implies a failure to fulfill a duty or responsibility.

lackadaisical

Indicates a lazy and indifferent approach.

perfunctory

Suggests a routine or superficial performance.

remiss

Highlights a failure to take due care.

botched

Focuses on the failure and poor outcome.

bungled

Emphasizes clumsiness and incompetence.

FAQs

How can I use "slapdash" in a sentence?

You can use "slapdash" to describe something done carelessly or hastily. For example, "The painter did a "slapdash" job on the wall, leaving streaks and missed spots."

What are some synonyms for "slapdash"?

Synonyms for "slapdash" include "careless", "haphazard", "sloppy", and "slipshod". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "slapdash" appropriate for formal writing?

While "slapdash" is widely understood, it leans towards informal usage. In formal contexts, consider using more precise alternatives like "negligent" or "remiss" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "slapdash" and "sloppy"?

"Slapdash" emphasizes the hasty and careless nature of the action, while "sloppy" focuses on the messiness and lack of precision. A "slapdash" job is done quickly and without care, whereas a "sloppy" job is messy and poorly executed, irrespective of the speed.