Word
drifting
Phoneticsdrift·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdɹɪftɪŋ/
UK/dɹˈɪftɪŋ/
Definitions
01moving aimlessly
B1 · Intermediate
v. moving slowly on water or in the air without being controlled by anyone.
v. moving passively or aimlessly, propelled by currents of water or air rather than internal power.
“The empty boat was drifting slowly away from the shore.”
“After the engine failed, the vessel spent three days drifting across the bay before a rescue team spotted it.”
02losing focus
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. gradually losing interest or moving from one thought to another without a plan.
v. undergoing a gradual shift in attention, focus, or state of mind, often unintentionally.
“I found my mind drifting during the long afternoon meeting.”
“The speaker noticed the audience's attention drifting as he delved into the more technical aspects of the report.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03car racing technique
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Sports Technical
n. a style of driving where the driver slides the car sideways through a corner.
n. a driving technique and motor sport where the driver intentionally oversteers to cause a loss of traction while maintaining control.
“He practiced drifting his car on the empty track every weekend.”
“Professional drifting requires precise throttle control and steering input to maintain a high-angle slide without spinning out.”
Synonyms
04without a goal
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. having no clear purpose or direction in life.
adj. characterised by a lack of direction, ambition, or fixed purpose.
“He spent a few drifting years traveling around Europe after university.”
“The novel depicts the drifting lives of young adults struggling to find meaning in a rapidly changing economy.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“These are kids drifting into online worlds, and at risk of being lost in them for ever.” “The next time wildfire smoke turns the sky hazy, remember that the smoke is not simply drifting through the atmosphere – it is becoming part of the atmosphere.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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