Wandering: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone or something is moving around without a specific direction or purpose. Often used for people or animals that move around aimlessly.

• He spent the afternoon wandering through the city streets
• The lost dog was wandering around the neighborhood

Implies moving around a large area, often with a sense of freedom but without a fixed route. Can be used for people, animals, or even mobile devices connecting to various networks.

• Their cat is always roaming around the neighborhood
• Tourists were roaming the city, exploring its hidden treasures

Describes walking or talking in a long and confused way. It often implies that there is no clear purpose or direction.

• We spent the day rambling through the countryside
• His speech was long and rambling, without any clear point

Refers to being carried slowly by a current of air or water. Can also mean a person moving aimlessly from place to place without a specific goal.

• The boat was drifting on the calm sea
• After college, she spent a few years drifting from job to job

Similar to roaming but often implies a purposeful search or quest. Can also refer to someone who moves around due to their job or lifestyle.

• He spent years roving the world in search of new experiences
• The roving reporter traveled from one location to another, covering different stories

See first entry above.

Describes a state of being unable to stay still or calm, often due to anxiety, excitement, or boredom. It can be used in both neutral and negative contexts.

• He felt a sense of restlessness the night before his big exam
• The restlessness of the crowd made the speaker nervous

Refers to the quality of being changeable or unreliable, especially in terms of emotions, loyalties, or commitments. It often has a negative connotation.

• Her inconstancy in relationships made it difficult for her to maintain long-term partners
• The politician was criticized for his inconstancy on key issues

Describes behavior that is unpredictable, inconsistent, or irregular. It often has a negative connotation, implying instability or lack of control.

• His erratic behavior in meetings made his colleagues uncomfortable
• The stock market showed erratic behavior this week, confusing many investors