sporadic

[spuh-rad-ik] / spəˈræd ɪk /

ADJECTIVE

on and off

Synonyms

STRONGEST

desultory fitful infrequent intermittent irregular isolated occasional random rare scattered spotty

WEAK

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

Antonyms

STRONGEST

common constant even frequent methodical regular systematic usual

WEAK

continuous dependable

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.

Yet senior executives also warned rising prices and sporadic supplies shortages were hampering business.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026

An afterthought among Argentina's plethora of star forwards - sporadic international appearances and a fistful of goals.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

Although construction is evident across Altadena, it’s sporadic.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

Before the war broke out, exports there had been sporadic.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

The staff members were always on guard to control these sporadic outbursts.

From "A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier" by Ishmael Beah

Vocabulary lists containing sporadic

Grade 9, List 1

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The Great Gatsby

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"Simon's Saga," Vocabulary from Episode 1

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