Unanchored

Lacking a secure connection or fixed point; not firmly established or grounded. This can refer to physical objects without moorings, abstract concepts lacking a solid foundation, or individuals feeling disconnected and adrift. It implies a state of instability, uncertainty, and a lack of stability. The feeling of being unanchored suggests vulnerability and the potential for being easily swayed or moved by external forces. It often describes things that are free-floating, unstable, or subject to shifting conditions or influences, whether literal or figurative.

Unanchored meaning with examples

• The small sailboat, caught in the sudden squall, became unanchored and began to drift rapidly towards the jagged rocks. Its crew desperately tried to restart the engine, their safety hanging precariously in the balance. Their fear grew as the vessel tossed in the violent waves, a stark reminder of their vulnerability.
• After the company's sudden collapse, many employees felt unanchored, their professional identities and future plans suddenly uncertain. They struggled to find their footing, grappling with the emotional toll of unemployment and the daunting task of restarting their careers. They lacked a sense of direction.
• Her emotional state, after the breakup, was completely unanchored, fluctuating wildly between grief and anger. She felt lost and adrift, unable to find stability or peace within herself. Memories of the relationship, intensified with her solitude, tossed her about like a ship in a storm.
• The artist's latest exhibition showcased sculptures that were designed to be unanchored, meant to react and flow in the winds that stirred through the room. Visitors were encouraged to interact with the pieces, adding a layer of interactivity that changed the flow of the unanchored art.