: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Global commerce has been under strain this year as companies grapple with a flurry of on-again, off-again trade policies; the new port fees will likely make shipping rates more volatile, analysts said. Ben Smith, semafor.com, 17 Oct. 2025 The enduringly magnetic on-again, off-again power couple comprised of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck reunited a year after their divorce at the premiere of the former's big new film, Kiss of the Spider Woman. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Oct. 2025 The on-again, off-again relationship struggled under the strain of the reality before Mack was killed in a texting and driving accident, less than halfway through Neeley's pregnancy. Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 3 Oct. 2025 My ten-year-old daughter’s iPad has an on-again, off-again relationship with my laptop. Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2025 Notably not returning is Camille Razat, who portrayed Gabriel’s on-again, off-again girlfriend since the inception of the series. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 20 Sep. 2025 After many years of on-again, off-again rumors, the tech giant finally opened its doors along Woodward Ave. Brian Manzullo, Freep.com, 20 Sep. 2025 Temperatures are currently expected to rise into the low 90s, with on-again, off-again precipitation. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025 The on-air reporter and Kansas City Chiefs tight end began dating in 2017 and were in an on-again, off-again relationship for five years. Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 12 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of on-again, off-again was in 1946

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Cite this Entry

“On-again, off-again.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on-again%2C%20off-again. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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