fitful

American  

[fit-fuhl] / ˈfɪt fəl /

adjective

1. coming, appearing, acting, etc., in fits or by spells; recurring irregularly.

   Synonyms:

   haphazard, erratic, intermittent, sporadic

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fitful British  

/ ˈfɪtfʊl /

adjective

1. characterized by or occurring in irregular spells

   fitful sleep

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Other Word Forms

• fitfully
  adverb
• fitfulness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of fitful

First recorded in 1595–1605; fit ² + -ful

Explanation

An adjective that sounds a little like what it means, fitful means stopping and starting, on-again off-again, switching suddenly. I had a fitful night's sleep: I woke up several times throughout the night. A fit is a disturbance that happens without warning, like a tantrum, tremor, or spasm. If something is fitful, it's "full of fits." A night at the opera is a night of fitful pleasures: the arias are cool, but the rest of the show is boring. I've made only fitful progress trying to lose weight, because I lose only a few pounds at a time, and they almost always come right back: my progress is fitful because it comes in "fits and starts."

Example Sentences

Fitful at the back, wasteful in possession, headless chickens in too many areas.

From BBC • Sep. 25, 2025

With Ortega-Medina’s biography in mind, readers will recognize the conflicts that play out in “The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2023

Fitful diplomatic talks between delegations from Ukraine and Russia are ongoing in search of a cease-fire deal.

From Washington Times • Mar. 22, 2022

Fitful regeneration efforts began around 15 years ago with major public projects funded by the ANC-run town hall, central government and overseas aid.

From The Guardian • Oct. 2, 2016

Fitful gusts came, driving the rain in savage, searching bursts; then would come a deadly lull, and the rain beating on us, straight from above—a pitiless downpour.

From The Brassbounder A Tale of the Sea by Bone, David W.

Related Words

• desultory
• intermittent
• periodic
• spotty