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 effort, which was described by a senior administration official who wasn’t authorized to speak publicly, is unfolding alongside fitful talks between Washington and Tehran on a potential agreement to extend a truce in the Iran war. —Jennifer A. Dlouhy, Fortune, 7 June 2026

In the context of their fitful performance levels over the course of 2025-26, neither could feel too aggrieved to have missed out. —Rob Tanner, New York Times, 27 May 2026

As Major League Baseball’s Rays make their latest fitful pursuit to build a new Tampa Bay home, an Orlando group is feverishly working to develop a fanbase, win political support, and perhaps gain a chunk of tourism dollars for a ballpark in the event opportunity comes its way. —Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2026

The global buzz that Cannes typically generates was fitful at best. —Jake Coyle, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 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