Desultory
/ˈdɛsəlˌtɔːri/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Desultory means lacking a clear plan, purpose, or effort. It often describes actions, talks, or efforts that seem random, disconnected, or without real focus. When someone does something desultory, they do it without much interest or energy, moving quickly and without order from one thing to another.
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See It in Action
Done without a clear plan or purpose; random or aimless
- •His desultory efforts at cleaning meant the room was still messy.
- •The meeting was desultory, with people talking about different things and no decisions made.
- •She gave a desultory glance at the papers on her desk before leaving.
Lacking enthusiasm or energy; half-hearted
- •He made a desultory attempt to finish the project before the deadline.
- •Their desultory applause showed little real interest in the performance.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "desultory" like "random" or "scattered," but with a feeling of being careless or without purpose
- ✓Picture a person flipping through TV channels quickly, watching a little of many shows but not focusing on any one
- ✓It's the feeling when you try to study but keep getting distracted, jumping from one subject to another without real focus
- ✓Sounds like "dessert story" → imagine someone telling a story about desserts but jumping all over the place without order, confusing the listener
- ✓Imagine a conversation where people talk but their ideas jump around without connection, making it hard to follow
- ✓NOT like "organized" (clear plan and order), desultory is messy and without structure
- ✓NOT like "focused" (attention on one thing), desultory is scattered and distracted
- ✓NOT like "careful" or "thoughtful," desultory actions are often careless or half-hearted
Try Other Words
- •Aimless: without purpose or direction (Use when emphasizing no clear goal)
- •Haphazard: done in a careless or unplanned way (Use when focusing on lack of order and care)
- •Casual: done without much effort or seriousness (Use when the action is informal or not serious)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: From Latin "de-" (down, away) + "salire" (to jump) → literally "jumping down or away"
- •Etymology: From Latin "desultorius," meaning jumping from one thing to another, like a circus rider jumping between horses
- •Historical development: Originally described a person who jumps between horses without a plan; later used for any disconnected or unplanned action
- •Modern usage: Used to describe actions, talks, or efforts that are unplanned, unfocused, or half-hearted
Reflect & Connect
•When have you experienced a desultory conversation or activity? How did it feel?
•Can being desultory ever be helpful, or is it always a negative way to do things?
Fill in the blanks
1.His desultory approach to studying meant he ___ much knowledge before the exam.
2.The desultory conversation jumped ___ different topics without any connection.
3.She gave a desultory smile, showing she was not really ___ in the discussion.
4.Unlike a focused plan, a desultory effort often leads to ___ results.
5.The team’s desultory work on the project was caused by a lack of ___.
6.When people act desultory, they often seem ___ or uninterested.
7.The speech was desultory because the speaker ___ from one idea to another without a clear message.