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

Cassie, whose legal name is Cassandra Ventura, signed to Combs’ label in 2005, and the two were on-again-off-again romantic partners for more than a decade starting in 2007.

From Seattle Times ● May 18, 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

My on-again-off-again girlfriend spun pizza for a living.

From Salon ● Dec. 20, 2000

The on-again, off-again nature of negotiations about a lasting cease-fire in the Gulf has also made calculations harder.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 9, 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, shone a new spotlight on the cold case.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 7, 2026

Soon after McCandless returned to Carthage that spring, Westerberg introduced him to his longtime, on-again, off-again girl-friend, Gail Borah, a petite, sad-eyed woman, as slight as a heron, with delicate features and long blond hair.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer

on-again-off-again

Example Sentences

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