The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word DRIFTING
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
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More clues leading to the result DRIFTING
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "lacking purpose" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case lacking purpose = drifting.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does DRIFTING mean?
DRIFTING verb- To move slowly, especially pushed by currents of water, air, etc.
- To move haphazardly without any destination.
- To deviate gently from the intended direction of travel.
- To drive or carry, as currents do a floating body.
- To drive into heaps.
- To accumulate in heaps by the force of wind; to be driven into heaps.
- To make a drift; to examine a vein or ledge for the purpose of ascertaining the presence of metals or ores; to follow a vein; to prospect.
- To enlarge or shape, as a hole, with a drift.
- To oversteer a vehicle, causing loss of traction, while maintaining control from entry to exit of a corner. See Drifting (motorsport).
- The act by which something drifts.
- That which drifts.
- A driving technique where the driver intentionally oversteers, causing loss of traction in the rear wheels, while maintaining control from entry to exit of a corner.
- Moving aimlessly or at the mercy of external forces.
- Without direction, focus, or goal.