fitful

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.

Just weeks ago, a solid January jobs report had raised hopes that the labor market was finding its footing after months of fitful hiring.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

As treatment progresses, if the once fitful sleeper finds they’re sleeping longer and more easily, they extend their time in bed to match their newfound sleep ability.

From Slate • Jul. 19, 2025

This one has a hose attached to a motor that slowly lowers the oxygen level to mimic, as faithfully as possible, the agonies of fitful sleep at extreme altitude: headaches, dry mouth, cerebral malaise.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2024

Over time, the late night TV host becomes your best friend, or a figure that haunts your fitful dreams.

From New York Times • Mar. 21, 2024

Grandpa drifted into a fitful sleep, then waked with a start about two-thirty and between gasps for breath went to raging at something or somebody, all the time pulling at his whiskers.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns