Definition

Lacking a clear plan or purpose; random and disconnected in thought or action.

Example

His desultory remarks during the meeting made it hard to follow the main topic.

Conversation

I found that discussion we had last week to be quite desultory.

Yeah, we jumped from topic to topic without really focusing on anything.

Exactly! It felt like we were just skimming the surface.

Maybe next time we should pick one topic and dive deeper.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Desultory → It is formed from "desultor" (from Latin, meaning one who leaps down) and the suffix "-y" (indicating a quality or condition). The word describes a manner of jumping from one thing to another without a fixed plan or purpose, reflecting a lack of consistency or focus.

Memory Tip

Imagine someone who 'leaps down' ('desultor') from one topic to another without staying on track — that's why desultory means lacking a clear direction.

Visually Confused Words