fitful

fit·ful

adj \ˈfit-fəl\

Definition of FITFUL

1

obsolete : characterized by fits or paroxysms

2

: having an erratic or intermittent character : irregular

— fit·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb

— fit·ful·ness noun

Examples of FITFUL

1. He had a few fitful hours of sleep.
2. Several fitful attempts at negotiation have failed.

First Known Use of FITFUL

1592

Related to FITFUL

Synonyms: aperiodic, casual, catchy, choppy, discontinuous, episodic (also episodical), erratic, intermittent, irregular, occasional, spasmodic, spastic, sporadic, spotty, unsteady

Antonyms: constant, continuous, habitual, periodic, regular, repeated, steady

Related Words: convulsive, sudden, violent; broken, disconnected, fragmentary, interrupted; aimless, arbitrary, desultory, haphazard, hit-and-miss, hit-or-miss, odd, random, scattered, slapdash, stray; capricious, changeful, changing, flickery, fluctuating, fluid, inconstant, mercurial, mutable, temperamental, uncertain, unpredictable, unsettled, unstable, varying, wavering; changeable, fickle, variable, volatile

Near Antonyms: changeless, equable, even, stable, stationary, uniform; unchanging, unvarying, unwavering; methodical (also methodic), orderly, systematic; unrelenting, unremitting

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Synonym Discussion of FITFUL

fitful, spasmodic, convulsive mean lacking steadiness or regularity in movement. fitful implies intermittence, a succession of starts and stops or risings and fallings <fitful sleep>. spasmodic adds to fitful the implication of rapid or violent activity alternating with inactivity <spasmodic growth>. convulsive suggests the breaking of regularity or quiet by uncontrolled movement <convulsive shocks>.