shoddy

This term carries a strong negative connotation of negligence and cheapness. It describes a failure of craftsmanship or professional standards, suggesting that the person responsible intentionally cut corners to save time or money. While it can describe physical objects like clothing or construction, it is equally applicable to abstract processes like legal arguments or police work.

Compared to words like sloppy, which implies a lack of organization or tidiness, shoddy specifically emphasizes the poor quality of the final result or the lack of structural integrity. It suggests a systemic failure in quality control rather than a simple mistake.