fitful

American  

[fit-fuhl] / ˈfɪt fəl /

adjective

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

   Synonyms:

   haphazard, erratic, intermittent, sporadic

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fitful British  

/ ˈfɪtfʊl /

adjective

1. characterized by or occurring in irregular spells

   fitful sleep

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Other Word Forms

• fitfully adverb
• fitfulness noun

Etymology

Origin of fitful

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

Example Sentences

Clare gestured to the world around them, the prism of light deepening by the minute, the fitful winds blowing their fur in every direction.

From Literature

My entry into the world of wearable fitness, as with much new technology, was grudging, fitful and ultimately all consuming.

From The Wall Street Journal

A summer sky appears “fitful and whimsical in a brisk north breeze.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Just weeks ago, a solid January jobs report had raised hopes that the labor market was finding its footing after months of fitful hiring.

From The Wall Street Journal

As she answered his questions, the “small, magnetic … negligently dressed” former celebrity paced the room, buried her face in her hands, and played “fitful floods of wild and incoherent melody” on a piano.

From Literature

Related Words

• desultory
• intermittent
• periodic
• spotty