fitful

adjective

fit·​ful ˈfit-fəl 

1

obsolete : characterized by fits or paroxysms

2

: having an erratic or intermittent character : irregular

fitfully

ˈfit-fə-lē 

adverb

fitfulness noun

Synonyms

• aperiodic
• casual
• catchy
• choppy
• discontinuous
• episodic
• episodical
• erratic
• intermittent
• irregular
• occasional
• spasmodic
• spastic
• sporadic
• spotty
• unsteady

Choose the Right Synonym for fitful

fitful, spasmodic, convulsive mean lacking steadiness or regularity in movement.

fitful implies intermittence, a succession of starts and stops or risings and fallings.

fitful sleep

spasmodic adds to fitful the implication of rapid or violent activity alternating with inactivity.

spasmodic growth

convulsive suggests the breaking of regularity or quiet by uncontrolled movement.

convulsive shocks

Examples of fitful in a Sentence

He had a few fitful hours of sleep.

Several fitful attempts at negotiation have failed.

Recent Examples on the Web

This flurry of visits and meetings was refreshing after the Trump administration’s fitful and reluctant engagement with Southeast Asia. —Bilahari Kausikan, Foreign Affairs, 11 May 2022

And no detail has been overlooked: Don’t worry about fitful sleep at 12,000 feet above sea level in a suite at this hotel, since oxygen’s piped into the 55 rooms to improve the air quality. —Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 10 July 2024

The debate performance has been searing, and his recovery has been fitful. —Evan Osnos, The New Yorker, 6 July 2024

There were fitful signs that Democrats were trying to turn the page on Friday. —Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republic, 29 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

fit entry 4 + -ful entry 1

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

fitful

adjective

fit·​ful ˈfit-fəl 

: not regular : restless

fitful sleep

fitfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

fitfulness noun