free-floating

[free-floh-ting]

adjective

1. (of an emotional state) lacking an apparent cause, focus, or object; generalized.

   free-floating hostility.

2. (of people) uncommitted, as to a doctrine, political party, etc.; independent.

   free-floating opportunists.

3. capable of relatively free movement.

free-floating

adjective

1. unattached or uncommitted, as to a cause, a party, etc

Other Word Forms

• free-floater noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of free-floating¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Constitution affords the president full control of the whole executive branch, with no free-floating agencies beyond his direct reach.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

This so-called major-questions doctrine functioned as a free-floating veto over any Biden policies the majority disliked.

Read more on Slate

These sea snails are also voracious predators themselves and feast upon free-floating hydrozoan such as Velella velella and Portuguese man o’ war.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It’s the horror of free-floating political anxiety.

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Yet, as wondrously beautiful as these floating mini hot air balloon launches are, the reality is there’s only a fine line — and a gust of wind — that can turn a sky lantern into a free-floating Molotov cocktail.

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