on-again, off-again

adjective

ˈȯn-ə-ˈgen-ˈȯf-ə-ˈgen 

: 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

The Middle East conflict drove up fuel prices and catapulted inflation to a three-year high in May, but inflation eased slightly over the summer after a preliminary peace agreement established an on-again, off-again pause in fighting. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026

Zach Hickerson, the brother of Hayden Panettiere's on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, attempted CPR on the actress before she was declared dead, a 911 call revealed. — Jordan Freiman, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

Explore See latest videos, charts and news Currently in production in Los Angeles and California’s Imperial Valley, the film will star Becky G as Maya Alvarado, the on-again, off-again love interest to Alex Guerrero, played by Carlos Sanson Jr. — Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2026

The warring powers have been locked in an on-again, off-again war since late February, one that’s kept a lid on global oil supply and a foot on the gas pedal for inflation. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for on-again, off-again

• again
• airmen
• amen
• bullpen
• culmen
• flagmen
• gunmen
• lawmen
• oilmen
• playpen
• schoolmen
• tegmen