adrift
6 synonyms and 1 antonym for adrift, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Drifting without control or direction, especially on water.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adj
Drifting without control or direction, especially on water.
“The rowboat was found adrift in the bay.”
2. adj
Lacking direction or purpose in life.
“After losing his job, he felt completely adrift.”
Opposites
How to use adrift
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
set adrift
feel adrift
Etymology
From a- ("in a state of") + drift.
Full origin of adrift →Frequently asked questions
What does “adrift” mean?
The word “adrift” means drifting without control or direction, especially on water. In plain terms, floating aimlessly, or feeling lost and without direction in life.
How do you pronounce “adrift”?
“Adrift” is pronounced uh-DRIHFT (/əˈdɹɪft/ in IPA).
How do you use “adrift” in a sentence?
Here is “adrift” used in a sentence: “The rowboat was found adrift in the bay.”
What part of speech is “adrift”?
“Adrift” is an adjective.
How many meanings does “adrift” have?
“Adrift” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: drifting without control or direction, especially on water.
