adrift

[uh-drift]

adjective

1. floating without control; drifting; not anchored or moored.

   The survivors were adrift in the rowboat for three days.

2. lacking aim, direction, or stability.

adrift

/ əˈdrɪft /

adjective

1. floating without steering or mooring; drifting

2. without purpose; aimless

3. informal,  off course or amiss

   the project went adrift

Word History and Origins

Origin of adrift¹

First recorded in 1615–25; a- ¹ + drift

Example Sentences

Rejection left him adrift, but then came the moment that changed his life.

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The Hatters are currently 11th in the third tier, five points adrift of the play-offs, having won five and lost five of their 11 games.

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He described Los Angeles as a city “adrift,” with unsolved property crimes, rising trash fees and housing that is unaffordable to many.

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"We were cut adrift. No chance of staying up," said Kleanthous.

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Martin won just five of his 17 matches, leaving Rangers eighth in the table - 11 points adrift of leaders Hearts.

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Related Words

• afloat