NSW Selective & Scholarship

Learn “Desultory”

A free exam-vocabulary guide with a precise meaning, natural context and a memory connection that makes the word easier to retrieve.

First featured

SelectiveDaily read

NSW Selective & Scholarship

Desultory

adjective/des-ul-tor-ee/

Meaning

lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm.

In context

The meeting was desultory, with no clear outcomes.

Remember it

From Roman circus riders leaping horse to horse — desultory effort jumps about with no plan.

Use it well

Describes drifting talk or effort: 'desultory conversation', 'a desultory attempt'.