Flightiness

Flightiness refers to the quality of being erratic, impulsive, and lacking in seriousness or stability. It often manifests as a tendency to flit from one idea, activity, or relationship to another, without a strong commitment or sustained focus. People exhibiting flightiness may be perceived as whimsical, unreliable, or easily distracted. This trait can impact decision-making, relationships, and overall productivity, leading to incomplete projects, superficial connections, and a general lack of direction. It is also often linked to a carefree or nonchalant attitude, and a susceptibility to fleeting interests. A person demonstrating flightiness might struggle with maintaining a routine or staying on task, and be prone to making hasty choices influenced by immediate whims rather than careful consideration.

Flightiness meaning with examples

• Sarah's flightiness was evident in her rapidly changing career goals; one week she dreamed of being a chef, the next a novelist. Her unpredictable interests made it difficult for her to commit to any long-term studies, and people found it hard to take her aspirations seriously because of her constantly changing plans and the speed at which she abandoned them.
• Despite her intelligence, Emily's flightiness meant she struggled in college. She'd enroll in several courses, only to drop them mid-semester after being distracted by a new, exciting opportunity. Her friends attempted to make her stay in a course but to no avail because they said her flightiness was unstopping.
• John's flightiness caused problems in his relationships. He would become intensely infatuated with someone, showering them with attention, and then abruptly lose interest as a new person caught his eye, leaving broken hearts and a reputation for being fickle in his wake.
• The project team found it difficult to rely on Mark's flightiness. His sudden bursts of enthusiasm were often followed by periods of disinterest, leaving the team to scramble to make up for his inconsistencies and lack of follow-through. The team was annoyed at his actions.
• Her flightiness was a constant source of amusement and frustration for her friends and family. While her whimsical nature made her fun to be around, her inability to stick to a plan or finish what she started often left others picking up the pieces or trying to rein her in.