Errant

Errant describes someone or something that deviates from the proper course or standards; straying from the accepted norm or the established path. It can denote a person, object, or action that is wandering, misbehaving, or flawed. Often, the term implies a sense of wrongdoing or straying from the right path, whether intentionally or unintentionally. The word can also refer to a person, a knight, who is on a quest, wandering to do good deeds or fight evil. In essence, 'errant' highlights a departure from an expected, desired, or appropriate state.

Errant meaning with examples

• The errant missile veered off course, narrowly missing its target and causing widespread panic. Its unpredictable trajectory was a clear indication of a malfunction.
• The errant student, constantly disrupting class with his jokes, received a stern warning from the principal. His actions were disruptive to the learning environment.
• A knight errant, seeking glory and adventure, embarked on a perilous journey to rescue the princess from the dragon's lair. His chivalry led him to the challenge.
• Despite the GPS guidance, the driver took an errant turn and got completely lost in the city. This costly mistake caused significant delays to his plans.
• The detective had to investigate a trail of errant clues, which led him down a long and unproductive road. The misleading clues delayed the solving of the case.