sporadically

[ spuh-rad-ik-uh-lee ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sporadically¹

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

Example Sentences

They grew along all the roads I took up to Interstate 25, continuing more sporadically through Pueblo and Colorado Springs before disappearing in Denver’s sprawl.

From Los Angeles Times

Meals were provided "sporadically and sparsely" which "endangered the health and welfare" of the contestants, it is claimed.

From BBC

The complaint further alleges that the contestants “were fed sporadically and sparsely” and “not given adequate access to hygienic products or medical care.”

From Los Angeles Times

They were "underfed and overtired", it claims, with meals provided "sporadically and sparsely" which "endangered the health and welfare" of the contestants.

From BBC

The two opposition leaders have been in hiding in the past weeks, with Ms Machado only emerging sporadically to address her supporters at protest rallies.

From BBC

Related Words

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