English speakers took the idea of the desultorius performer and coined the word desultory to describe that which figuratively “jumps” from one thing to another, without regularity, and showing no sign of a …

DESULTORY definition: lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful. See examples of desultory used in a sentence.

DESULTORY definition: 1. without a clear plan or purpose and showing little effort or interest: 2. without a clear plan…. Learn more.

Something that is desultory is done in an unplanned and disorganized way, and without enthusiasm.

Definition of desultory adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Apr 2, 2026 · Adjective desultory (comparative more desultory, superlative most desultory) Jumping, or passing, from one thing or subject to another, without order, planning, or rational connection; lacking …

Factsheet What does the word desultory mean? There are five meanings listed in OED's entry for the word desultory. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Swerving from point to point; irregularly shifting in course; devious: as, desultory movements; a desultory saunter. Veering about from one thing to another; whiffling; unmethodical; irregular; disconnected: …

Passing from one thing to another in an aimless way; disconnected; not methodical. A desultory conversation.

desultory [= aimless] conversation. He made a desultory [= halfhearted] attempt to study. Talk drifted desultorily from one topic to another.