desultory

Meaning

1. Jumping, or passing, from one thing or subject to another, without order, planning, or rational connection; lacking logical sequence.
2. Out of course; by the way; not connected with the subject.
3. Disappointing in performance or progress.
4. (obsolete) Leaping, skipping or flitting about, generally in a random or unsteady manner.

Synonyms

haphazard

random

aimless

erratic

irregular

rambling

disconnected

disorderly

distracted

eccentric

different from others

excursive

half-hearted

capricious

incoherent

abjunctive

irrelevant

loose

ludicrous

odd

purposeless

queer

linkless

arbitrary

unattached

unconnected

vague

careless

chaotic

diffuse

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈdɛs.əl.t(ə).ɹi/

Etymology

From Latin dēsultōrius (“hasty, casual, superficial”), from dēsultor (“a circus rider who jumped from one galloping horse to another”), from dēsiliō (“jump down”), from dē (“down”) + saliō (“jump, leap”).