rudderless

American  

[ruhd-er-lis] / ˈrʌd ər lɪs /

adjective

1. (of a boat, ship, or aircraft) lacking a rudder, the device or structure used to change direction and steer.

   I love the story of Columba, a priest in sixth-century Ireland, who got into a rudderless boat and let God and providence take him where he was meant to be.

2. lacking purpose, leadership, moral principles, or anything else that might provide direction; aimless.

   The people are drifting and rudderless, without a vision to unify and motivate them and without a shared set of values.

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Etymology

Origin of rudderless

rudder ( def. ) + -less ( def. )

Example Sentences

It finds that morale is low at the department, described as a “rudderless ship” under Patel.

From Salon

And then there is the serious matter of a rudderless Democratic Party that, nearly a year after the presidential election, lacks a unified message and strong national leadership.

From Salon

We don't really know how City will line up with their new players either, but they surely can't be as fragile - or rudderless - as they were without Rodri last season.

From BBC

If England were ruthless West Indies were rudderless as this match marked the end of a pretty chastening tour.

From BBC

Over time, we had to learn to play without him but at that point, when he was out of the team, I felt we were a bit rudderless.

From BBC