sporadically

adverb

spo·​rad·​i·​cal·​ly spə-ˈra-di-k(ə-)lē 

: in a sporadic manner : not regularly or constantly

gunfire being heard sporadically

software updates that appear sporadically

Originally from the western Pacific Ocean, the shrimp have been spotted sporadically in U.S. waters for the past two decades.

—Rick Jervis

Even when the sun is being well behaved, parcels of plasma shoot sporadically toward Earth's dark side, prompting a bright aurora and intensifying radiation belts.

—Tim Beardsley

Examples of sporadically in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Tyson Familiar and visually uninspired, yet still sporadically captivating. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026

Constructed at a cost to the US taxpayer of $300 million, the pier was retired after operating poorly and sporadically for just twenty days. — Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026

Placed somewhat sporadically throughout the lower half of Cruz’s dress, the flowers clustered near the neckline and went on to completely cover the straps. — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 11 Oct. 2026

Hogan added that the market could experience more trading days like this sporadically over the coming months if sentiment remains subdued amid tensions in the Middle East. — Sean Conlon, CNBC, 21 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sporadically

• radically