adrift

[əˈdrɪft]

adrift Definition

• 1. floating without being either moored or steered
• 2. without purpose, direction, or guidance

Using adrift: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "adrift" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The boat was adrift in the middle of the ocean.

• Example

  After losing his job, he felt adrift and unsure of what to do next.

• Example

  Her thoughts were adrift, wandering from one idea to another.

• Example

  The company was adrift without a clear strategy or leadership.

adrift Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for adrift

• floating
• unmoored
• unanchored
• unattached
• unsettled
• lost
• directionless
• aimless
• purposeless

Antonyms for adrift

• moored
• anchored
• settled
• fixed
• steady
• guided
• directed
• purposeful

Phrases with adrift

• set adrift

  to cause something or someone to float freely without control or guidance

  Example

  The sailors were set adrift in a lifeboat after their ship sank.

• cast adrift

  to abandon someone or something to float freely without control or guidance

  Example

  The company was cast adrift by its investors after failing to meet its targets.

• adrift in a sea of something

  feeling lost or overwhelmed by a large amount of something

  Example

  She felt adrift in a sea of paperwork, unsure of where to start.

Origins of adrift

from a- (meaning 'on') + Old Norse 'drift', meaning 'act of driving'

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Summary: adrift in Brief

'Adrift' [əˈdrɪft] can be used as an adjective or adverb to describe something that is floating without being moored or steered, or someone who is without purpose, direction, or guidance. Examples include 'The boat was adrift in the middle of the ocean' and 'After losing his job, he felt adrift and unsure of what to do next.' Phrases like 'set adrift' and 'cast adrift' denote abandoning someone or something to float freely without control or guidance.