Meaning

• 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."

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

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

• Disappointing in performance or progress.

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