desultory — lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm; half-hearted and random
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm; half-hearted and random
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈdesəlˌtɔːri/
Korean meaning: 계획이나 목적이 없는, 무계획적인, 산만한
Korean pronunciation: **데**설토리
Example Sentences
- His desultory study habits led to poor grades.
- The meeting was filled with desultory discussions about everything except the main issue.
- He made desultory attempts at cooking, burning toast while trying to boil water.
desultory
ADJECTIVE//ˈdesəlˌtɔːri//
lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm; half-hearted and random

a person sits at a messy desk, randomly picking up different items without finishing anything. They start writing in one notebook, then abandon it to flip through a magazine, then reach for their phone. Piles of unfinished craft projects, open books, and scattered papers cover every surface around them. Their attention jumps from task to task with no clear direction or purpose. A concerned family member peers through the doorway, watching the chaotic scene unfold. Office supplies and project materials remain unused while others are left half-completed. someone acting without any plan, purpose, or enthusiasm in a completely random and half-hearted way
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin desultorius, meaning 'leaping from horse to horse,' referring to Roman circus performers who would jump between moving horses. This image of jumping around without staying in one place led to the modern meaning of 'lacking focus or plan.'
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“His desultory study habits led to poor grades.”
“The meeting was filled with desultory discussions about everything except the main issue.”
“He made desultory attempts at cooking, burning toast while trying to boil water.”
“Her desultory browsing through social media lasted three hours instead of the planned five minutes.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.