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

There was a constant stream of doves flying by, all dipping and diving sporadically. — Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 12 Aug. 2026

The new couple—who were first linked after reportedly meeting at Tribeca Film Festival—have been spotted sporadically over the last few months. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 9 Aug. 2026

My 21-year-old child responds only sporadically to texts and phone calls, going days to weeks without a response. — Sahaj Kaur Kohli, Washington Post, 7 Aug. 2026

Using a mask sporadically won’t deliver lasting results—think of it like a mini spa treatment for your hair rather than a one-off miracle fix. — Anya Meyerowitz, Glamour, 2 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sporadically

• radically