Intermittent means occurring at irregular intervals, not continuously—think of something that starts, stops, and starts again unpredictably.

Core Definition

The adjective "intermittent" describes events, actions, or phenomena that happen sporadically rather than steadily, often with pauses or gaps. For instance, intermittent rain might drizzle briefly, then clear up, only to return later. Dictionaries like Oxford and Britannica emphasize its "stopping and starting" nature, distinguishing it from constant or regular patterns.

This word traces back to Latin roots meaning "to send between," evoking interruptions in flow, and it's widely used in everyday language as well as technical fields.

Synonyms and Antonyms

  • Synonyms : Sporadic, periodic, occasional, fitful—words that capture irregularity without full continuity.
  • Antonyms : Continuous, constant, steady—opposites highlighting unbroken persistence.

Choosing the right synonym depends on context; "sporadic" feels more random, while "periodic" implies some rhythm.

Real-World Examples

Intermittent wipers on a car activate in unpredictable bursts during light rain, unlike steady ones in a downpour.

In nature, a stream might have intermittent flow, drying up seasonally before refilling.

Picture a flickering old light bulb: its intermittent bursts create unease in a dark room.

Contexts and Usage

Everyday Life

You might hear it for intermittent power outages during storms, where electricity cuts out unpredictably. Or in conversations: "Her intermittent headaches made planning tricky."

Science and Tech

In medicine, intermittent fever rises and falls irregularly, unlike steady types. Tech uses it for signals, like intermittent internet glitches in remote areas.

Trending Contexts (2026)

As of early 2026, "intermittent" trends in discussions around intermittent fasting diets, where eating windows alternate with fasts—popular on forums for health hacks amid rising wellness trends. No major news spikes, but it's steady in productivity talks for intermittent work sprints (e.g., Pomodoro-style breaks).

Quick Tips for Use

  1. Pair it with nouns like "rain," "power," or "effort" for clarity.
  2. Avoid overusing; simpler words like "occasional" often suffice.
  3. In writing, it adds precision: "Intermittent applause punctuated the speech" beats "claps happened sometimes."

"Intermittent isn't static; it's dynamic, shaped by context and interruptions."

TL;DR : Intermittent = irregular stops/starts; not steady. Perfect for describing unpredictable patterns in life, tech, or nature.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.