fitful

adjective

fit·​ful ˈfit-fəl 

1

obsolete : characterized by fits or paroxysms

2

: having an erratic or intermittent character : irregular

fitfully

ˈfit-fə-lē 

adverb

fitfulness noun

Synonyms

• 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 trash-bin selection is one of the key steps in the city’s fitful transition to paid trash service, nearly three years after city voters narrowly approved a ballot measure allowing the city to start charging for it after more than a century. —Sam Schulz, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Sep. 2025

In the same era of fitful decolonization that began in the late Forties, the power of the old masters of the universe grew at a historically unprecedented rate. —Pankaj Mishra, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025

Russian forces made symbolic territorial gains against Ukraine, lending Moscow new bargaining chips in fitful peace talks. —Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2025

This is important in the here and now in consideration of what’s available to mitigate the health and irritability effects of fitful sleep born of sleep apnea. —John Tamny, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025

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