desultory
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Then again, it’s all too easy to be distracted from the desultory happenings on stage.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 14, 2026
For one of the few exhilarating times in this desultory season, they were truly SC.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 24, 2024
Last night he did an obscure X interview show and seemed desultory and depressed.
From Salon • Sep. 4, 2024
The lobby bar at the town’s only hotel—usually so desultory on non–parents’ weekend weekends that it closed around 8—was jammed with visitors from surrounding states.
From Slate • Apr. 8, 2024
She knew she did not bore him, and she buffed or painted her fingernails studiously while he dozed or brooded and the desultory warm afternoon breeze vibrated delicately on the surface of the beach.
From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller
![]()
Vocabulary lists containing desultory
Behave Yourself! Vocabulary for Good, Bad, and Indifferent Conduct
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
And Then There Were None
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"Marita's Bargain," Vocabulary from the essay
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!