search unsystematically

[/sɜːrtʃ ʌnsɪstəˈmætɪkli/]
verb phrase
procurar desordenadamente; buscar sem método
1. to look for something in a disorganized, haphazard manner without a clear plan or logical approach
She searched unsystematically through the closet, moving clothes around randomly instead of checking each shelf carefully.
Ela procurou desordenadamente no guarda-roupa, movendo roupas aleatoriamente em vez de verificar cada prateleira cuidadosamente.
2. to hunt or seek something without following an organized method or strategy
The investigators searched unsystematically at first, but later adopted a more methodical approach.
Os investigadores procuraram sem método no início, mas depois adotaram uma abordagem mais metódica.
This phrase is commonly used in both American and Brazilian contexts when describing inefficient search methods. In Brazil, 'fuçar' and 'vasculhar' are popular colloquial alternatives that carry a slightly more playful or casual connotation, often used in everyday conversation. The phrase emphasizes a lack of organization, which is frequently critiqued in professional or academic settings where systematic approaches are valued.
NYC Slang
dig around aimlessly; poke around haphazardly
Synonyms / Sinônimos
search haphazardlysearch randomlysearch carelesslylook about aimlesslyrummage through
Antonyms / Antônimos
search systematicallysearch methodicallysearch carefullysearch thoroughly

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
procurar desordenadamente; buscar sem sistema
most common form in formal and informal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
procurar na gambiarra; fuçar
colloquial usage with 'fuçar' implying disorganized searching
São Paulo
procurar sem método; vasculhar
'vasculhar' commonly used for unsystematic searching
Portugal
procurar desordenadamente; revistar sem método
European Portuguese may prefer 'revistar' for searching

Related Words

rummagefumbleransackhuntseekexplorationdisorganized

Related Idioms & Phrases

rummage around
search high and low (when done unsystematically)
poke around
fumble around
flip through
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