Definitions

off-and-on

ADVERB

every once in a while

Synonyms

WEAK

alternately at irregular intervals fluctuating hardly infrequently intermittent irregularly not often on and off scarcely sometimes sporadically vacillating variable very seldom when the mood strikes

off and on

ADVERB

intermittently

Synonyms

WEAK

alternately at intervals at times every once in a while every so often fluctuating from time to time irregularly now and then occasionally on occasion once in a while sometimes sporadically vacillating variably

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.

Thomas Bechtel has been looking off and on for a condo in Chicago for two years.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

I had used them off and on for years and I always lied.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

But interventions then dropped off, and on the UK side there seems to be surprise that it has taken so long to resolve the problems Retailleau had already identified and said he would fix.

From BBC • Nov. 28, 2025

Tensions off and on the field have been high since a deadly military clash between the nuclear-armed neighbours in May.

From Barron's • Nov. 16, 2025

“I’m—I’m not going to stand off and on about this, Nat. Elizabeth—your wife—is dead.”

From "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham

Vocabulary lists containing off-and-on

Occasional

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

off-and-on

Example Sentences

Related Words

Vocabulary lists containing off-and-on

Occasional