drift ; slow movement; 1 · singular, uncountable] a slow steady movement from one place to another; a gradual change or development from one situation to another, ...

[intransitive] (+ adv./prep.) to move along smoothly and slowly in water or air. Clouds drifted across the sky. The empty boat drifted out to sea.

a slow steady movement from one place to another; a slow change or development from one situation to another, especially to something bad.

move slowly. [intransitive] (+ adv./prep.) to move along smoothly and slowly in water or air Clouds drifted across the sky. The empty boat drifted out to sea. ...

There are 39 meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun drift, four of which are labelled obsolete. See 'Meaning & use' for definitions, usage, and quotation ...

to become less friendly or close to someone. As children we were very close, but as we grew up we just drifted apart.

​to become less friendly or close to somebody. As children we were very close, but as we grew up we just drifted apart. Over the years the two friends ...

​to fall asleep. I didn't hear the storm. I must have drifted off by then. She closed her eyes and slowly drifted off to sleep.

There are two meanings listed in OED's entry for the adjective drifting, one of which is labelled obsolete. See 'Meaning & use' for definitions, usage, ...

​a very large net used by fishing boats. The net has weights at the bottom and floats at the top and is allowed to hang in the sea.