Definitions

on-again, off-again

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

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.

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

The new episodes will pick up from the season five cliffhanger, in which Emily's on-again, off-again romantic interest Gabriel - played by Bravo - sends her a postcard inviting her on a Greek getaway.

From BBC • May 21, 2026

The sale of Stokes’ property comes months after another very significant milestone in his life: the end of his on-again, off-again relationship with country music star Kelsea Ballerini.

From MarketWatch • May 21, 2026

I’ve written about my on-again, off-again love affair with my own electric vehicle, from things I wish I had known before buying one to my experience taking one on a road trip.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

He has to be the only person in town who doesn’t know Jordie and Pamela have been on-again, off-again since second grade.

From "Linked" by Gordon Korman