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Definition of "desultory" []

  • Having no set plan; haphazard or random. See Synonyms at chance. (adjective)
  • Moving or jumping from one thing to another; disconnected: a desultory speech. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "desultory" in a sentence
  • "Icahn plans to "[offer] up anecdotes and a running commentary on what he describes as the desultory state of corporate governance in America.""
  • "We present for your inspection, and then debunk, or paw at in desultory fashion, a dozen of the choicest conspiracy theories to gain traction since Jan. 20."
  • "He seems to have worried about the aimless guest, that individual who would wander about in desultory manner, constantly amazed yet never really subjecting the exhibits to serious study."