on-off

adjective

1. (of an electrical switch, button, etc) having an `on' position and an `off' position
2. existing at times and not at others; discontinuous

   an on-off relationship

Example Sentences

The actor has also hit the headlines a lot in the last year for his on-off relationship with Sabrina Carpenter, currently pop music's brightest star.

From BBC

In a 2019 study, Sackton and colleagues found that regulatory elements — the ones that determine when a gene is expressed as a protein, like an on-off switch — were where the action was.

From Salon

Logan MacPhail, now 17, had been obsessed with Holly during their 18-month, on-off relationship and was determined to control her, Micala says.

From BBC

Dempsey's on-off boyfriend at the time, 35-year-old Darryn John Armstrong, admitted the toddler's murder and was handed an automatic life sentence, but the minimum number of years he must serve before applying for parole has not yet been set.

From BBC

Although largely unreported at the time, Huynh gave an interview to YouTube personality Tasha K, where she said Mr Combs had been physically abusive and offered her money to get an abortion during their on-off, five-year relationship.

From BBC

Related Words

• dial
• knob
• switch