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

Create a little annex of contemplative delight in the living room — somewhere to land with a drink and a snack and not feel adrift.

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Celtic are four points adrift, with Rangers nine off the top.

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Things never got appreciably better, the Bruins left adrift without a haven in sight.

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"Obviously frustrating to not score better than I did," said Kim, who started Saturday's final round four shots off the leaders, only to finish eight adrift of Ballester after a one-under 70.

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The defeat at Anfield was Liverpool's sixth loss in their last seven Premier League matches and left them eight points adrift of leaders Arsenal.

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Related Words

• afloat