Adrift

/əˈdrɪft/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Floating without being moored or anchored.

The boat was left adrift on the open sea.

Lacking direction or purpose.

She felt adrift in her career after graduating.

adverb

In a state of drifting; without direction.

He wandered adrift in his thoughts during the lecture.

Middle English; originally meaning 'a drift' from the word 'drift' referring to being driven by currents.

adrift at sea

In the middle of the ocean without control

adrift in life

Feeling lost and without purpose in one’s life

drift

to be carried slowly by a current of air or water

float

to rest or move on or near the surface of a liquid without sinking

In a state of confusion or lack of direction.

After the breakup, he's been feeling pretty adrift.

Not committed or engaged.

She seems adrift in the group project, not really contributing.