fitful

[ fit-fuhl ]

adjective

1. coming, appearing, acting, etc., in fits fit or by spells; recurring irregularly.

   Synonyms: haphazard, erratic, intermittent, sporadic

fitful

/ ˈfɪtfʊl /

adjective

1. characterized by or occurring in irregular spells

   fitful sleep

Derived Forms

• ˈfitfulness, noun
• ˈfitfully, adverb

Other Words From

• fitful·ly adverb
• fitful·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of fitful¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; fit ² + -ful

Example Sentences

In her memoir, Zappa writes about trying to leverage “Valley Girl’s” success with a fitful acting career that, in retrospect, kept her away from higher education or pursuing a mainstream “civilian” career.

From Los Angeles Times

Sometime during my fitful sleep, I was roused by the shadow of someone standing over me.

From Literature

This one has a hose attached to a motor that slowly lowers the oxygen level to mimic, as faithfully as possible, the agonies of fitful sleep at extreme altitude: headaches, dry mouth, cerebral malaise.

From Los Angeles Times

Over time, the late night TV host becomes your best friend, or a figure that haunts your fitful dreams.

From New York Times

In the years since it first drew media attention, private backers of the project, known as +Pool, have seen fitful progress collide with regulatory barriers.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• desultory
• intermittent
• periodic
• spotty