fits and starts

ADJECTIVE

aimless

Synonyms

STRONGEST

desultory erratic frivolous haphazard indiscriminate pointless random

WEAK

accidental any which way bits and pieces blind capricious careless casual chance directionless drifting fanciful fickle flighty fortuitous goalless heedless hit-or-miss indecisive irresolute objectless purposeless shiftless stray thoughtless unavailing undirected unguided unplanned unpredictable vagrant wandering wanton wayward

Antonyms

STRONGEST

definite methodical particular sensible specific systematic

WEAK

determined directed goal-oriented motivated pointed purposeful resolute

ADJECTIVE

spasmodic

Synonyms

WEAK

bits and pieces changeable choppy convulsive desultory fitful intermittent irregular jerky on-again-off-again periodic shaky spastic sporadic spotty spurtive uncertain

Antonyms

WEAK

resting uninterrupted

ADJECTIVE

sporadic

Synonyms

STRONGEST

desultory fitful infrequent intermittent irregular isolated occasional random rare scattered spotty

WEAK

bits and pieces few hit-or-miss on-again-off-again scarce seldom semioccasional spasmodic uncommon unfrequent

Antonyms

STRONGEST

common constant even frequent methodical regular systematic usual

WEAK

continuous dependable

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.

There have been fits and starts of ambitious defense measures.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

The affordability tour has only happened in fits and starts, however, and the president has not always stuck to the script.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026

Breaks in the case have come and fits and starts.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026

After a courtship that unfurled in fits and starts, they married in 1996.

From Salon • Feb. 12, 2026

Outside the rain finally began to fall, surging in fits and starts.

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman