intermittent

[in-ter-mit-nt]

adjective

1. stopping or ceasing for a time; alternately ceasing and beginning again.

   an intermittent pain.

   Synonyms: sporadic, interrupted

2. alternately functioning and not functioning or alternately functioning properly and improperly.

3. (of streams, lakes, or springs) recurrent; showing water only part of the time.

intermittent

/ ˌɪntəˈmɪtənt /

adjective

1. occurring occasionally or at regular or irregular intervals; periodic

Other Word Forms

• intermittence noun
• intermittency noun
• intermittently adverb
• nonintermittence noun
• nonintermittent adjective
• nonintermittentness noun
• unintermittent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of intermittent¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin intermittent- (stem of intermittēns ), present participle of intermittere “to leave a space between, drop off (for a while)”; intermit, -ent

Example Sentences

Between boundless cheers and intermittent boos, historic milestones and horrifying heartbreaks, triumphant summers and torturous falls.

From Los Angeles Times

Some studies suggest intermittent fasting can have some positive effects as an adult, but it can be harmful for teenagers because they still need fuel for growth.

From BBC

It is only seeing intermittent collections take place because it has large containers rather than wheelie bins - great news for rats and foxes.

From BBC

In an accompanying editorial in the same journal, Anoop Misra, a leading endocrinologist, weighs the promise and pitfalls of intermittent fasting.

From BBC

“It didn’t appear that impacted the normal phone lines. It made 911 calls intermittent.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fitful 
• infrequent 
• occasional 
• periodic 
• recurrent 
• recurring 
• seasonal