intermittent

American  

[in-ter-mit-nt] / ˌɪn tərˈmɪt 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.

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intermittent British  

/ ˌɪntəˈmɪtənt /

adjective

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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of intermittent

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

After launching from Earth on 1 April , the four astronauts aboard the Artemis II mission's Orion capsule had some intermittent issues with their toilet.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

If you loved creating a whole personality around intermittent fasting, welcome: You’ve found your people.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Six different loan moves saw him make intermittent impressions before finding a home at Fulham.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

An expert suggests intermittent disruption or harassment of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz is more likely than a full closure.

From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026

There may be an intermittent short in the drill, probably in the attachment point of the power line.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir

Related Words

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