Intermittent: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe something that starts and stops at irregular intervals, often repeatedly. Typically, it is associated with events or processes that can be expected to happen from time to time but not continuously.

• The doctor recommended intermittent fasting for weight loss
• The intermittent rain showers disrupted the outdoor event

Describes something that does not follow a steady pattern or schedule. This term can cover a vast range of contexts, from physical shapes to schedules and occurrences.

• The patient’s heartbeat was irregular, requiring further investigation
• He has an irregular work schedule that changes every week

Refers to something that happens at irregular intervals, but less frequently and more randomly than 'intermittent.' It often implies lack of predictability and few occurrences.

• Sporadic cases of the disease have been reported in the area
• His letters were sporadic, arriving without warning

Used to describe something that happens from time to time, but not often or regularly. It suggests an element of rarity and unpredictability.

• She enjoys an occasional glass of wine with dinner
• There were occasional power outages during the storm

This word is best used when something happens at irregular intervals but not consistently. It suggests a recurring pattern but with breaks in between.

• We had intermittent rain throughout the day.
• The internet service is intermittent in this area.

This word fits well when something happens at random or irregular intervals, without any predictable pattern.

• She makes sporadic visits to her hometown.
• The disease outbreaks have been sporadic in recent years.

This is used to describe something unpredictable and inconsistent. It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting unreliability.

• His performance has been erratic lately.
• The weather has been extremely erratic this week.

Use this when something lacks continuity or has breaks in a sequence. It often refers to something that should ideally be continuous but is interrupted.

• The road is discontinuous due to construction work.
• The graph shows a discontinuous line, indicating missing data.