drifting

verb/adjective

Meaning 1: when describing slow movement

Moving slowly or aimlessly, often carried along by a current of water, air, or shifting circumstances.

Examples

  • The abandoned raft was drifting aimlessly across the calm lake.
  • Snow was drifting against the front door, blocking our exit.

Meaning 2: when describing sleep

To gradually fall into a state of sleep (often used as 'drifting off').

Examples

  • I was drifting off while reading the boring report.
  • She finally started drifting off after hours of tossing and turning.

Pronunciation: /ˈdrɪftɪŋ/

How to Use drifting

drift off (phrasal verb)
to fall asleep gradually — "I drifted off during the movie."
drift apart (phrasal verb)
to gradually lose a close relationship — "The two friends slowly drifted apart after moving to different cities."

Synonyms of drifting

Words with a similar meaning to drifting: