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

There was Luka sitting down for an upcoming episode of the chicken-wing-eating Hot Ones, which I’m assuming was followed by an intermittent fast.

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I wonder how well and efficiently he would have written it with frequent and intermittent shouts being thrown his way, regardless of whether they were insults or encouragements.

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

Read more on 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.

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

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Related Words

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