on-again, off-again

adjective

ˈȯn-ə-ˈgen-ˈȯf-ə-ˈgen 

: existing briefly and in an intermittent unpredictable way

on-again, off-again fads

Examples of on-again, off-again in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The character of Peyton Sawyer is introduced in season 1 as the on-again, off-again girlfriend of Nathan Scott (James Lafferty). — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 23 July 2026

The on-again, off-again nature of the conflict could delay oil demand’s bounce-back even further. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 21 July 2026

Jenner, 28, and Scott, 35, who ended their on-again, off-again relationship in January 2023, also share 4-year-old son Aire. — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026

Global fuel prices have fallen somewhat amid the on-again, off-again ceasefire. — Michael Loria, USA Today, 10 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for on-again, off-again

• again
• airmen
• amen
• bullpen
• culmen
• flagmen
• gunmen
• lawmen
• oilmen
• playpen
• schoolmen
• tegmen