Definitions

on-again-off-again

[on-uh-gen awf-uh-gen, of-, awn-] / ˈɒn əˌgɛn ˈɔf əˌgɛn, ˈɒf-, ˈɔn- /

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fitful adj.
periodic adj.
spasmodic adj.
sporadic adj.
spotty adj.
intermittent adj.

ADJECTIVE

fitful

Synonyms

STRONGEST

desultory intermittent periodic spotty

WEAK

bits and pieces broken capricious catchy changeable disturbed erratic flickering fluctuating haphazard herky-jerky hit-or-miss impulsive inconstant interrupted random recurrent restive restless shifting spasmodic spastic unstable variable

Antonyms

STRONGEST

constant continual regular

WEAK

continuous even undisturbed unvarying

ADJECTIVE

periodic

Synonyms

STRONGEST

annual intermittent monthly occasional recurrent recurring regular repeated routine seasonal sporadic weekly yearly

STRONG

periodical

WEAK

alternate at various times centennial cyclic cyclical daily epochal every once in a while every so often fluctuating hourly infrequent isochronal isochronous on certain occasions orbital perennial rhythmic serial spasmodic

Antonyms

STRONGEST

constant infrequent unusual

WEAK

continual irregular lasting permanent sporadic variable

ADJECTIVE

spasmodic

Synonyms

WEAK

bits and pieces changeable choppy convulsive desultory fitful fits and starts intermittent irregular jerky periodic shaky spastic sporadic spotty spurtive uncertain

Antonyms

WEAK

resting uninterrupted

ADJECTIVE

sporadic

Synonyms

STRONGEST

desultory fitful infrequent intermittent irregular isolated occasional random rare scattered spotty

WEAK

bits and pieces few fits and starts hit-or-miss scarce seldom semioccasional spasmodic uncommon unfrequent

Antonyms

STRONGEST

common constant even frequent methodical regular systematic usual

WEAK

continuous dependable

ADJECTIVE

spotty

Synonyms

STRONGEST

erratic patchy sporadic uneven

WEAK

desultory flickering fluctuating not uniform pimply spasmodic unequal

Antonyms

STRONGEST

consistent continuous dependable regular

WEAK

constant unbroken

on-again, off-again

ADJECTIVE

intermittent

Synonyms

WEAK

alternate arrested broken by bits and pieces checked cyclic cyclical discontinuing discontinuous epochal every other fitful here and there hit-or-miss infrequent interrupted isochronal isochronous iterant iterative metrical now and then occasional on and off periodic periodical punctuated recurrent recurring rhythmic rhythmical seasonal serial shifting spasmodic sporadic stop-and-go

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.

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on-again-off-again on-again, off-again

Korean authorities are working to restore order following on-again-off-again appetite for artificial-intelligence trades, but analysts say it will be difficult to keep AI-driven volatility in check.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026

So much so that his country is even hosting talks between Trump and Xi Jinping on Thursday that may well yield a breakthrough in their on-again-off-again trade war.

From BBC ● Oct. 28, 2025

The on-again-off-again relationship opens up Miranda's one-track mind.

From Salon ● Apr. 23, 2024

Ignoring the advice from “Friday Night Lights” director Peter Berg, Kelly became embroiled in a tumultuous on-again-off-again romance with her co-star Taylor Kitsch, which led to on-set tension and strained relationships with her castmates.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 14, 2023

He also announced that the government had taken the first steps to reactivate a decades-long, on-again-off-again project to build a bridge between Sicily and the Italian mainland and intended to seek EU funding for it.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 22, 2022

The pace of the negotiations, which had been on-again, off-again for weeks, quickened last week, and Bonta’s office had reached a deal with Paramount by Friday, sources said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 23, 2026

The collapse comes after more than a year of on-again, off-again trade talks, which intensified in recent weeks after a US-imposed deadline to strike a deal or face further tariffs.

From BBC ● Aug. 22, 2026

Investors still have plenty of volatility-fueling worries: the on-again, off-again war with Iran and new questions about how the Federal Reserve will fight inflation.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 9, 2026

While tech, chip, and memory stocks bolstered the market, the on-again, off-again talks between the U.S. and Iran led to a slide in oil prices.

From Barron's ● May 26, 2026

JORDIE: We've always had a kind of on-again, off-again thing.

From "Linked" by Gordon Korman

on-again-off-again

Example Sentences

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Related Words