unanchored

Unanchored is an adjective meaning not attached to an anchor or lacking a fixed point of reference. In physical terms, it can describe objects that are not secured by an anchor, such as a ship that has not deployed its anchor or a buoy that has become unanchored. In nautical contexts, an unanchored vessel drifts with currents and wind, increasing the risk of collision or grounding and requiring actions to re-anchor or tow the vessel to safety.

In a broader, metaphorical sense, unanchored describes something that lacks stability or a clear foundation. This usage appears in discussions of beliefs, opinions, identities, or plans that have not been anchored to a stable reference, target, or policy. For example, unanchored expectations can lead to volatility when new information arrives or policies change.

In economics and finance, the term is used to describe market variables or expectations that are not tied to a designated anchor, such as a central bank’s inflation target or a fixed exchange rate. Unanchored inflation expectations can contribute to higher volatility in prices and may require credible policy to restore a stable anchor.

Etymology: unanchored is formed from the prefix un- and anchor, indicating the absence of an anchor or fixed reference. See also anchor, anchoring, drifting.