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.

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

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

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

The public’s on-again, off-again interest kept Smart’s disappearance in the news sporadically, but a podcast called “Your Own Backyard,” begun in 2019 by Chris Lambert, shined a new spotlight on the cold case.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 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