on-again, off-again

Or on-a·gain-off-a·gain

[on-uh-gen awf-uh-gen, of-, awn-]

adjective

1. being in force or inoperative by turns, especially spasmodically and unpredictably.

   an on-again, off-again romance.

Word History and Origins

Origin of off again, on again¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Idioms and Phrases

see off and on, def. 2.

Example Sentences

The only thing that’s certain at this point is that the president’s on-again, off-again efforts to look like he’s “pressuring” Putin somehow never materialize.

Read more on Salon

Take the latest mind bender: the on-again, off-again, on-again release-then-cutoff-then-release of U.S. weapons to Ukraine.

Read more on Slate

President Trump’s on-again, off-again tariffs on goods from countries such as China could also impact the development of new gadgets or consumer appetite to buy new electronics.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

And then there is the big elephant in the boardroom: President Trump’s on-again, off-again tariffs.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Trump’s on-again, off-again tariffs have meant that businesses such as Apple are also facing economic uncertainty.

Read more on Los Angeles Times