desultory
adjective | /desultory/
Advanced WordsHARD
not having a plan or purpose; done without serious effort
desultory
adjective | /desultory/
Advanced WordsHARDnot having a plan or purpose; done without serious effort
Learning Progress
Synonyms
aimlessrandomerratichaphazardperfunctory
Antonyms
methodicalsystematicorderlypurposeful
Examples
"Their conversation was desultory, jumping from topic to topic."
"After a few desultory paragraphs the article lost its thread."
Mnemonic Trick
DESULTORY → DE + SALT + ORY: jumping like a salted hopper — random/aimless.
Etymology
From Latin dēsultorius “leaping about,” from dēsultor “a leaper.”
Used for unfocused or random activity.
Source: Advanced WordsAdded: 9/28/2025
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