# desultory

**Pronunciation:** /ˈdɛs.əl.t(ə).ɹi/

**CEFR level:** B2

**Part of speech:** adjective

## Meaning 1: when discussing jumping

Jumping, or passing, from one thing or subject to another, without order, planning, or rational connection; lacking logical sequence. It can have more than one sense, so use the alternate meanings and examples to choose the meaning that matches your sentence.

## Examples

- He wandered round, cleaning up in a desultory way.
- I made a desultory remark while I was talking to my friend.

## Meaning 2: sense 2

Out of course; by the way; not connected with the subject

## Examples

- I made a desultory remark while I was talking to my friend.

## Meaning 3: sense 3

Disappointing in performance or progress

## Meaning 4: sense 4

Leaping, skipping or flitting about, generally in a random or unsteady manner

## Meaning 5: sense 5

(obsolete) Leaping, skipping or flitting about, generally in a random or unsteady manner

## Synonyms

- aimless — Dictionary-listed nearby meaning; check context before substituting.
- disconnected — Dictionary-listed nearby meaning; check context before substituting.
- quodlibetic — Dictionary-listed nearby meaning; check context before substituting.
- quodlibetical — Dictionary-listed nearby meaning; check context before substituting.
- unmethodical — Dictionary-listed nearby meaning; check context before substituting.

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