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

An elusive species that previously has only been seen sporadically in Idaho appears to have taken up permanent residence in the Gem State, according to a recent study led by University of Idaho researchers. — Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 29 July 2026

The audience only sporadically showed a notable reaction, with long periods of near-silence prevailing. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 24 July 2026

Anti-doping officials have confirmed to The Athletic, however, that nighttime tests do take place sporadically in a number of sports. — Chris Marshall-Bell, New York Times, 22 July 2026

But Torrence continues to gig with his group the Surf City All-Stars, but only sporadically. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 19 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sporadically

• radically