adj
adrift
uh-DRIHFT
Adrift (adj) means drifting without control or direction, especially on water. Example: “The rowboat was found adrift in the bay.”
adj
1
Drifting without control or direction, especially on water.
"The rowboat was found adrift in the bay."
"After the engine failed, the yacht drifted adrift for hours."
2
Lacking direction or purpose in life.
"After losing his job, he felt completely adrift."
"She spent her twenties feeling adrift, unsure what she wanted."
How to use adrift
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFloating aimlessly, or feeling lost and without direction in life.
Common pairings
set adrift
feel adrift
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more adrift
- Superlative
- most adrift
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The rowboat was found _____ in the bay.
Etymology
From a- ("in a state of") + drift.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
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.
