Definition

Adjective 1. Lacking consistency, purpose, or a clear plan; moving or jumping from one subject or thing to another in an unmethodical way. - This describes actions, thoughts, or conversations that are disconnected, aimless, and not following a logical sequence or sustained focus.

Usage

The word "desultory" is used to characterize an activity or process that is haphazard, sporadic, and lacks direction or concentrated effort. It often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying ineffectiveness or superficial engagement.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • She made a desultory attempt to clean the room before giving up. (Her effort was half-hearted and unfocused.)
  • The meeting proceeded in a desultory fashion, with no agenda and frequent topic changes. (The meeting was disorganized and aimless.)
  • He has only a desultory knowledge of the subject, having read a few articles here and there. (His knowledge is scattered and not deep or systematic.)

Advanced Usage

• "Desultory manner": Performing an action in a disconnected, unenthusiastic way.
  • The investigation was conducted in a desultory manner, yielding few results.
• "Desultory interest": A fleeting, inconsistent, or superficial level of attention.
  • He showed only a desultory interest in the project, contributing little.

Variants and Related Words

• Desultorily (adverb): In a desultory manner.
  • He worked desultorily on the report all afternoon.
• Desultoriness (noun): The quality or state of being desultory. (This is a rare, formal usage.)

Synonyms

• Haphazard: Lacking any obvious principle of organization.
• Aimless: Without purpose or direction.
• Erratic: Not even or regular in pattern or movement; unpredictable.
• Spasmodic: Occurring or done in brief, irregular bursts.
• Unsystematic: Not done or acting according to a fixed plan or system.

Antonyms

• Methodical: Done according to a systematic or established procedure.
• Purposeful: Having or showing determination or resolve.
• Steady: Regular, even, and continuous in development, frequency, or intensity.
• Consistent: Acting or done in the same way over time, especially so as to be fair or accurate.

Idioms and Phrases

While "desultory" itself is not commonly used in fixed idioms, it perfectly describes the nature of activities referenced in phrases like: - "A lick and a promise": A hurried, careless attempt at cleaning or doing a task. (The desultory cleaning was just a lick and a promise.) - "Hit or miss": Sometimes successful and sometimes not; random. (His attendance at the lectures was desultory, a real hit-or-miss affair.)

Adjective

1. marked by lack of definite plan or regularity or purpose; jumping from one thing to another
   • desultory thoughts
   • the desultory conversation characteristic of cocktail parties