adj.
Pronunciation: ' de-s ə l- ˌ to ̇ r- ē also -z ə l-
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 \ ˌ de-s ə l- ' to ̇ r- ə -l ē \ adverb
– des · ul · to · ri · ness \ ' de-s ə l- ˌ to ̇ r- ē -n ə s \ noun