Desultory

Describing actions or thinking that are random, disconnected, and lacking a clear plan or purpose; unorganized or inconsistent.

adjective

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Imagine This

If you do not concern yourself with the progress of a plan, the result will usually be terrible.

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Sounds Like

DEZ-uhl-TAW-ree

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Looks Like

Desultor (Latin root) and the word itself, Desultory

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Remember This

Desultory comes from Latin desultorius meaning 'jumping about' (as a horseman leaping from one horse to another); the sense shifted to describe aimless or unfocused behavior.

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Other Forms

desultorilyadverb

desultorinessnoun

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Connect With

meandering, digressive, haphazard, random, aimless, disorganized

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Note

Desultory often describes actions, remarks, or studies that are lackluster or piecemeal. It contrasts with methodical, systematic, or focused behavior.

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Study Deeper

Examples

The committee's desultory discussion wandered from topic to topic without reaching a decision.
Her desultory study habits meant she skimmed chapters rather than fully understanding the material.

Synonyms

randomhaphazarddisorganizedmeanderingaimless

Antonyms

systematicmethodicalfocusedorganized

Etymology

From Latin desultorius meaning 'jumping about, leaping from one thing to another', from desilire 'to leap down', formed of de- (down) + salire (to leap).

Mnemonic

Picture a rider who keeps leaping from one horse to another (a desultor). Desultory actions jump from topic to topic just like that rider.