drifting
v. B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈdɹɪftɪŋ// UK //dɹˈɪftɪŋ// drift·ing
v. to move slowly and smoothly, usually because of wind or water. You use this when something has no engine or driver controlling its direction.
v. to move slowly and passively, carried by wind, water, or air currents rather than by self-propulsion.
The boat drifted down the river.
The small boat drifted gently toward the shore as the wind died down.
Ideas often drift through the collective consciousness, gaining traction only when they align with the prevailing cultural mood.
Usage
Intransitive; often used with 'away' or 'off' to indicate loss of control.
Pitfall
The car was drifting forwardThe car was rolling forwardDrifting implies passive movement by wind or water; vehicles use 'rolling' or 'moving' unless sliding sideways.