潦草

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Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The adjective 潦草 (liáocǎo) describes something done in a careless, sloppy, or hasty manner, often implying a lack of attention to detail or quality. It is commonly used to criticize handwriting, written work, or any task performed without sufficient care.

Common Collocations

Usage Notes

When using 潦草, speakers often imply dissatisfaction with the quality or effort put into the work. It is a negative evaluation and should be used carefully to avoid offending someone. Unlike similar words like 马虎 (mǎhu), which can mean careless but sometimes more casual, 潦草 emphasizes a rough, untidy result.

Confusions

Do not confuse 潦草 with 草率 (cǎoshuài), which also means careless but often refers more to decision-making or behavior rather than the quality of physical work like writing.

Example Sentences

His handwriting is sloppy and hard to read.

This report is written carelessly and lacks details.

Don’t be sloppy; check carefully before submitting.