fitful

American  

[fit-fuhl] / ˈfɪt fəl /

adjective

1. coming, appearing, acting, etc., in fits fit 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

My entry into the world of wearable fitness, as with much new technology, was grudging, fitful and ultimately all consuming.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

As treatment progresses, if the once fitful sleeper finds they’re sleeping longer and more easily, they extend their time in bed to match their newfound sleep ability.

From Slate • Jul. 19, 2025

A dry wind was already stirring when the sun rose over Pacific Palisades on Tuesday, fitful gusts whipping palm fronds seaward and making eucalyptus limbs creek and groan.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2025

Over time, the late night TV host becomes your best friend, or a figure that haunts your fitful dreams.

From New York Times • Mar. 21, 2024

Despite the hour, Harrenhal stirred with fitful life.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin

Related Words

• desultory
• intermittent
• periodic
• spotty