Main Entry: des·ul·to·ry

Pronunciation: \ˈde-səl-ˌtȯr-ē also -zəl-\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Latin desultorius, literally, of a circus rider who leaps from horse to horse, from desilire to leap down, from de- + salire to leap — more at sally

Date: 1581

1 : marked by lack of definite plan, regularity, or purpose <a dragged-out ordeal of…desultory shopping — Herman Wouk>
2 : not connected with the main subject
3 : disappointing in progress, performance, or quality <a desultory fifth place finish> <a desultory wine>

— des·ul·to·ri·ly \ˌde-səl-ˈtȯr-ə-lē\ adverb

— des·ul·to·ri·ness \ˈde-səl-ˌtȯr-ē-nəs\ noun