English

Adjective

half-ass ‎(comparative more half-ass, superlative most half-ass)

1. Produced in an incompetent or desultory manner, or of something lacking in quality or substance; of low rank; incompetent.
   • 1969, The End of the Road by John Barth (page 155)

     the only abortion she could get even in the city would be a half-ass job by some half-ass doctor who could mess her up for the rest of her life

Translations

Verb

half-ass ‎(third-person singular simple present half-asses, present participle half-assing, simple past and past participle half-assed)

1. (slang) To perform a task incompletely or carelessly. Usually considered derogatory or insulting.
   • 2002, Guardians of the Eagle by John D. Messer (page 102)

     if you're working for me and I send you to do a job and you half-ass it, that reflects on me. In civilian life, we'd just fire you. Here I can't get rid of you.

See also

• half-assed
• half ass