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.

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

We dressed for the day, then returned to bed for a couple hours of fitful sleep, ready to go when we needed to.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 28, 2025

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

And so the old man woke from his aged and fitful sleeping with a sort of cunning hatred against Lotus.

From "The Good Earth" by Pearl S. Buck

Vocabulary lists containing fitful

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Grade 12, List 2

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