desultory

adj

Etymology: From Latin dēsultōrius (“hasty, casual, superficial”), from dēsultor (“a circus rider who jumped from one galloping horse to another”), from dēsiliō (“jump down”), from dē (“down”) + saliō (“jump, leap”).

1. Jumping, or passing, from one thing or subject to another, without order, planning, or rational connection; lacking logical sequence.

   “He wandered round, cleaning up in a desultory way.”

   “I teach a class of desultory minds.”

2. Out of course; by the way; not connected with the subject.

   “I made a desultory remark while I was talking to my friend.”

   “She made a desultory attempt at conversation.”

3. Disappointing in performance or progress.

   “Near-synonyms: half-assed, halfhearted”

   “As we stood waiting for the departure time with the setting sun twinkling on the great brass dome of our 2-4-0, the sound of church bells was the only one apart from the measured tread of the guard slowly pacing towards his van, and, standing at an open window, I more than once heard the fireman's "Right away!" to his mate in acknowledgement of a desultory wave of the unfurled green flag.”

4. Leaping, skipping or flitting about, generally in a random or unsteady manner.