lacking a plan or purpose; random and disconnected
example
His desultory efforts to stay fit consisted of sporadic gym visits and a few short runs each month.
synonyms
disconnectedaimlessrandom
word origin — from Latin 'desultorius', meaning 'jumping, skipping, or jumping in and out', from 'desultor', meaning 'one who leaps down, one who leaps from one thing to another'
GRE Vocabulary — Set 26
Set 26 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: desultory, obdurate, arduous, adroit, histrionic. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.
desultory · adjective/ˈdɛs.əl.tɔːr.i/
lacking a plan or purpose; random and disconnected
His desultory efforts to stay fit consisted of sporadic gym visits and a few short runs each month.
Synonyms: disconnected, aimless, random
Origin: from Latin 'desultorius', meaning 'jumping, skipping, or jumping in and out', from 'desultor', meaning 'one who leaps down, one who leaps from one thing to another'
obdurate · adjective/ˈɑb.dʒər.ət/
stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action
Despite numerous pleas for compassion, the obdurate politician refused to reconsider his harsh policies on immigration.
Synonyms: stubborn, unyielding, inflexible
Origin: from Latin 'obduratus', meaning 'hardened', from 'ob-' meaning 'against' and 'durare' meaning 'to last, to endure'
arduous · adjective/ˈɑrdʒ.u.əs/
involving or requiring strenuous effort difficult and tiring
The team faced an arduous journey through the mountains, which tested their endurance and resolve.
Synonyms: difficult, hard, taxing
Origin: from Middle English 'arduous', Latin 'arduus', meaning 'high, steep, difficult'
adroit · adjective/əˈdrɔɪt/
clever or skillful in using the hands or mind
The adroit pianist captivated the audience with his intricate melodies and flawless technique.
Synonyms: skillful, adept, deft
Origin: from French 'adroit', meaning 'skillful', from 'à droit' meaning 'to the right' or 'properly'
histrionic · adjective/ˌhɪstriˈɑnɪk/
excessively theatrical or dramatic in character or style
Her histrionic outburst during the meeting shocked everyone, as she often prided herself on being calm and collected.
Synonyms: theatrical, melodramatic, overstated
Origin: The word 'histrionic' derives from the Latin 'histrionicus,' meaning 'pertaining to an actor,' from 'histrio,' meaning 'actor.'