on-again, off-again
Americanadjective
Etymology
Origin of on-again, off-again
First recorded in 1945–50
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The on-again, off-again negotiations to end or pause the conflict have upended such calculations, as the uncertainty has made it difficult to determine ideal inventories.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 6, 2026
“These on-again, off-again developments keep the market on edge,” Phil Flynn of the Price Futures Group says in a note.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 5, 2026
While tech, chip, and memory stocks bolstered the market, the on-again, off-again talks between the U.S. and Iran led to a slide in oil prices.
From Barron's ● May 26, 2026
The new episodes will pick up from the season five cliffhanger, in which Emily's on-again, off-again romantic interest Gabriel - played by Bravo - sends her a postcard inviting her on a Greek getaway.
From BBC ● May 21, 2026
“Erin and I left shortly after you did. Jessica stayed behind to argue with her on-again, off-again man-baby.”
From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
