Definitions

fitful

[fit-fuhl] / ˈfɪt fəl /

ADJECTIVE

irregular, sporadic

Synonyms

STRONGEST

desultory intermittent periodic spotty

WEAK

bits and pieces broken capricious catchy changeable disturbed erratic flickering fluctuating haphazard herky-jerky hit-or-miss impulsive inconstant interrupted on-again-off-again random recurrent restive restless shifting spasmodic spastic unstable variable

Antonyms

STRONGEST

constant continual regular

WEAK

continuous even undisturbed unvarying

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Fitful at the back, wasteful in possession, headless chickens in too many areas.

From BBC • Sep. 25, 2025

With Ortega-Medina’s biography in mind, readers will recognize the conflicts that play out in “The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2023

Fitful diplomatic talks between delegations from Ukraine and Russia are ongoing in search of a cease-fire deal.

From Washington Times • Mar. 22, 2022

Fitful regeneration efforts began around 15 years ago with major public projects funded by the ANC-run town hall, central government and overseas aid.

From The Guardian • Oct. 2, 2016

Fitful flickers of light, snow, darkness—that was all he could see.

From A Young Man in a Hurry and Other Short Stories by Chambers, Robert W. (Robert William)

Vocabulary lists containing fitful

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

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Touching Spirit Bear

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Grade 12, List 2

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