Occasional: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word when referring to events or actions that happen from time to time but not regularly.

• He makes occasional visits to his grandparents on weekends.
• Occasional rain showers are expected this afternoon.

Choose this word to describe something that starts and stops at irregular intervals, often unpredictably.

• Intermittent internet issues can be very frustrating during online meetings.
• They experienced intermittent power outages throughout the storm.

Use this word to discuss occurrences that happen irregularly and occasionally, often without a predictable pattern.

• Sporadic applause was heard throughout the speech.
• Her participation in the club's events has been sporadic.

This word is best used when talking about something that occurs rarely or at long intervals.

• Her visits to the doctor are infrequent because she's generally healthy.
• Infrequent flights from this small airport make travel planning more complicated.

Suitable for events or actions that happen from time to time without any set pattern.

• We have occasional family gatherings on weekends.
• She makes occasional visits to the old neighborhood.

Appropriate for things that happen at regular intervals, often in a repetitive manner.

• He undergoes periodic health check-ups every six months.
• The periodic review of the company's policies ensures up-to-date practices.

Used to describe something that occurs in distinct episodes or segments, often with interruptions in between.

• His work history is rather episodic, with frequent job changes.
• The television series has an episodic structure, with each episode being a self-contained story.

Best for situations where events occur irregularly and unpredictably, implying an element of randomness.

• There were sporadic power outages throughout the night.
• She experiences sporadic bursts of creativity.