fitful

adjective

fit·​ful ˈfit-fəl 

1

obsolete : characterized by fits or paroxysms

2

: having an erratic or intermittent character : irregular

a fitful night of sleep

fitfully

ˈfit-fə-lē 

adverb

fitfulness noun

Synonyms of fitful

• sporadic
• occasional
• intermittent
• sudden
• erratic

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of fitful in a Sentence

He had a few fitful hours of sleep.

Several fitful attempts at negotiation have failed.

Recent Examples on the Web

The best magazine racks, our editors have discovered, corral and curate their many, many copies of Architectural Digest (obviously), furthering their ever-fitful attempts to force their living rooms into shape. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 18 Feb. 2026

When Leo Lewis O’Neil’s documentary, Slauson Rec, about the actor’s fitful attempt to host a theater workshop premiered at Cannes in 2025, audiences were uncomfortable bearing witness to LaBeouf’s rage. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 17 Feb. 2026

Signs of fitful progress appear Despite increasingly authoritarian governments in many parts of Asia and the rest of the world, there are some encouraging signs. —Elaine Kurtenbach, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026

Already, 10 times more water evaporates off Arizona’s arid landscape and fitful rivers. —Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 26 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

fit entry 4 + -ful entry 1

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

fitful

adjective

fit·​ful ˈfit-fəl 

: not regular : restless

fitful sleep

fitfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

fitfulness noun