Intermittent

/ˌɪntəˈmɪtənt/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady.

The intermittent rain made it difficult to plan the outdoor event.

not constant; occasional.

She experienced intermittent pain in her knee throughout the season.

stopping and starting at intervals.

The electricity supply was intermittent due to the storm.

coming and going in intervals.

Intermittent fasting has gained popularity as a diet strategy.

characterized by intervals of activity or inaction.

He has an intermittent work schedule that changes weekly.

From Latin 'intermittens', the present participle of 'intermittere', meaning 'to leave off, cease; come between'.

intermittent fasting

A dietary approach that alternates between periods of eating and fasting.

intermittent noise

Noise that is not constant but occurs at irregular intervals.

intermittent progress

Progress that is not steady or continuous but happens sporadically.

interrupt

To break the continuity of an action or process.

cease

To bring or come to an end.

pause

To temporarily stop an action or process.

On and off

The internet connection is so on and off today; it's really intermittent.

Hit or miss

Her motivation is hit or miss—it can be very intermittent.