by fits and starts

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Past efforts to tighten security cooperation between Seoul and Tokyo have progressed by fits and starts.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 18, 2023

After the Civil War, the breakup movement kept going by fits and starts, over who was getting the rawest deal on you-name-it.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 21, 2021

But he will, by fits and starts, be able to get some legislation through.

From Salon • Jan. 24, 2021

The $150 million project has been characterized by fits and starts for years and is now projected to open in 2020.

From Washington Post • Nov. 1, 2017

He moved upward slowly, by fits and starts at first, then more smoothly.

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin