sporadically

American  

[spuh-rad-ik-uh-lee] / spəˈræd ɪk ə li /

adverb

1. every now and then; at irregular intervals in time.

   Ox-eye sunflowers bloom sporadically throughout the summer.

2. here and there; in scattered locations.

   Little candles, placed sporadically among the chapel pews, lit up people’s faces.

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Etymology

Origin of sporadically

First recorded in 1675–85; sporadic ( def. ) + -ally ( def. )

Example Sentences

Williams has played only sporadically in recent years.

From Barron's

Now rubbish is only collected sporadically and despite the oil reserves, the region has been hit by a severe energy crisis over the past decade with blackouts reported almost daily.

From BBC

But if electricity is only available sporadically, she says, "the food doesn't keep very well. There were cases when food was cooked in the morning and by dinner the porridge had become completely solid."

From BBC

Williams has played only sporadically in recent years and lost in the first round of both of her warm-up tournaments.

From Barron's

Williams, who has played only sporadically in recent years, will be the oldest woman ever at the opening Grand Slam of the year, which begins on Sunday.

From Barron's

Related Words

• intermittently
• now and then
• occasionally
• rarely
• seldom
• sparingly