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

Third-string quarterback Jalen Milroe, who was used sporadically last season and appeared in three games, could be used in specific packages to take advantage of his running ability. — Andrew Destin, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Nirvana’s surviving members Dave Grohl, Pat Smear, and Krist Novoselic have sporadically reunited over the years, replacing Cobain with various guest singers. — Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Sep. 2026

Their numbers remained contained until 2023, and local fishermen reported catching them only sporadically. — ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026

According to the complaint, Gilchrist would sporadically pay back his clients, but would come up with excuses such as government shutdowns and even claiming to be hospitalized to delay payments. — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sporadically

• radically