strayings
Veering off course
Strayings are instances of wandering from a path, group, or proper course.
The word appears in literary or formal contexts where a single straying wouldn't capture repeated or multiple departures: The shepherd tracked the strayings of his flock.
It can be figurative—moral strayings, mental strayings from a topic.
Separation from common origin
- digressionVeering off topic
- departureAct of going away
- aberrationDeviation from the norm
- varianceSpread around the mean
deviation · veering · swerving · detour · tangent · diversion · deflection · wandering
Making mistakes
- sinningCommitting moral wrongs
- transgressionViolation of law or code
- waywardnessStubborn resistance to guidance
- backslidingReverting to former sins
lapsing · falling · temptation · digression · deviation · wandering · errant · misguided
Without aim or guidance
- purposelessLacking aim or intention
- meanderingFollowing a winding course
- wanderingTraveling with no fixed course
- driftingMoving without purpose
unfocused · listless · aimless · rudderless · haphazard · unguided · random · desultory
divergence
Separation from common origin
- digressionVeering off topic
- departureAct of going away
- aberrationDeviation from the norm
variance · deviation · veering · swerving · detour · tangent · diversion · deflection · wandering · deviating
erring
Making mistakes
- sinningCommitting moral wrongs
- transgressionViolation of law or code
- waywardnessStubborn resistance to guidance
backsliding · lapsing · falling · temptation · digression · deviation · wandering · errant · misguided · wrongdoing
directionless
Without aim or guidance
- purposelessLacking aim or intention
- meanderingFollowing a winding course
- wanderingTraveling with no fixed course
drifting · unfocused · listless · aimless · rudderless · haphazard · unguided · random · desultory · erratic
roaming
Moving without fixed purpose
- ramblingLong-winded and unfocused
- rovingMoving from place to place
- meanderingFollowing a winding course
drifting · peregrination · ramble · amble · meander · saunter · vagabond · nomadic · footloose · wayfaring
lost
Unable to navigate
- misplacedPut in wrong location
- disorientedLacking sense of direction
- waywardStubbornly self-willed
missing · gone · vanished · mislaid · off-track · bewildered · confused · adrift · displaced · marooned
strayingsbeelines
Most direct routes
pilgrimages · missions · marches · commutes · processions
strayingsfaithfulness
Devoted loyalty maintained
fidelity · steadfastness · constancy · loyalty · obedience