adrift
adverb or adjective
\ ə-ˈdrift
\
\
Definition of adrift
1
: without motive power and without anchor or mooring
a boat adrift on the sea
2
: without ties, guidance, or security
people morally adrift
3
: free from restraint or support
Examples of adrift in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In three attacks, coalition forces did not attempt to rescue survivors adrift at sea, and many drowned, Human Rights Watch said. — Washington Post, "Rebels claim downing US drone over Yemen," 21 Aug. 2019 In three attacks, coalition forces did not attempt to rescue survivors adrift at sea, and many drowned, HRW said. — Samy Magdy, chicagotribune.com, "Houthi rebels in Yemen say they have shot down a U.S. drone," 21 Aug. 2019 In three attacks, coalition forces did not attempt to rescue survivors adrift at sea, and many drowned, the group said. — Missy Ryan, BostonGlobe.com, "US military drone shot down over northern Yemen," 21 Aug. 2019 Now, this gives conservatives — who are at present, at best, adrift on Social Security policy — some room to maneuver. — Andrew G. Biggs, National Review, "How the Democrats’ Social Security Plan Could Finance a Tax Cut," 15 Aug. 2019 Roberts, working with a much larger scenic and visual palette this time, seems adrift. — Katie Walsh, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Review: Soggy sequel ‘47 Meters Down: Uncaged’ is a waterlogged creature feature," 15 Aug. 2019 Nathan Carman survived by swimming to a life raft and floating adrift for eight days before he was rescued off of Martha’s Vineyard. — Dave Altimari, courant.com, "Nathan Carman trial: Executive says company would not have insured Chicken Pox after Carman altered boat before it sank," 15 Aug. 2019 Miami Celtics head the standings by just four points from Shanghai Swans with the London Knights in third, three points further adrift. — Ben Church, CNN, "London calls for the world's most prestigious showjumping spectacle," 1 Aug. 2019 On Monday, Tooze was tucked under a Pendleton blanket, squeezing a nurse’s hand, adrift in one of the periodic dizzy spells that ruin breakfast. — oregonlive.com, "The back story on Independence Day: Steve Duin," 28 June 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'adrift.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for adrift
adrift
adjective
English Language Learners Definition of adrift
of a boat
: floating on the water without being tied to anything or controlled by anyone
: without guidance, purpose, or support
British
: behind by a specified amount in a race, competition, etc.
See the full definition for adrift in the English Language Learners Dictionary
adrift
adverb or adjective
\ ə-ˈdrift
\
\
Kids Definition of adrift
: in a drifting state
a ship adrift in the storm Boats floated adrift.
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