Discontinuous: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this term when something is not continuous or is interrupted in its course. Often used in scientific, mathematical, or technical contexts.

• The geological layers showed a discontinuous pattern
• The graph has a discontinuous function

Denotes things that are lacking a logical or smooth connection. Usually has a negative connotation and is used for speech, writing, and thoughts.

• Her speech was disjointed and hard to follow
• The story had a disjointed narrative

Describes something occurring at irregular intervals, not constantly or steadily. Commonly used for events, symptoms, and phenomena.

• He suffers from intermittent headaches
• The rain was intermittent throughout the day

This is used when something or someone is detached or separated, often indicating a lack of coherence or unity. It can be used for physical objects, ideas, or people.

• His arguments felt disconnected from reality
• The phone call got disconnected due to poor signal

Typically used in both technical and non-technical contexts to describe something that is not continuous or has interruptions or gaps.

• The river's flow is discontinuous due to the various dams built along its course.
• His education was discontinuous because he had to take breaks to support his family.

Primarily used in formal or technical contexts to describe something that does not follow a continuous path or sequence.

• The data set is non-continuous, with several missing values.