1 B1 idiomatic neutral
For two or more people to gradually become less close over time, without a specific argument.
"We were best friends in school, but after graduation we just drifted apart."
inseparable
drift apart
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
For people to gradually lose closeness in a relationship, without any argument or specific event causing it.
In plain English
When friends or family members slowly stop being close, without any big fight or reason.
What does "drift apart" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
For physical objects to gradually move away from each other.
"The two ice floes slowly drifted apart in the warming sea."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To float or move apart from each other — like two boats drifting away from each other on water.
Actually means
When friends or family members slowly stop being close, without any big fight or reason.
Usage tip
One of the most common and emotionally resonant phrasal verbs in everyday English. Always intransitive. The process is typically slow, natural, and without blame attached. Very common when talking about friendships, couples, or families.
Words that pair with "drift apart"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
friends couple family colleagues over time gradually
How to conjugate "drift apart"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
drift apart
I/you/we/they
3rd person
drifts apart
he/she/it
Past simple
drifted apart
yesterday
Past participle
drifted apart
have + pp
-ing form
drifting apart
continuous
Hear "drift apart" in the wild
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