fitful

adjective

fit·​ful ˈfit-fəl How to pronounce fitful (audio)
1
obsolete : characterized by fits or paroxysms
2
: having an erratic or intermittent character : irregular
fitfully adverb
fitfulness noun
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And a new Chargers home in Mission Valley, late in a fitful process that had spanned many years, seemed a longshot. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2025 The next day is more of the same, and a keen reminder that this is Indiana men’s basketball in its scope, and a keen reminder that this is Indiana men’s basketball in the fitful stages of transition, all at once. Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 11 July 2025 The twin moves represent a sharp contrast to the early months of the Trump administration, which were characterized by fitful attempts to coax Russia into a ceasefire as part of a broader rapprochement. semafor.com, 11 July 2025 Take the Los Angeles Dodgers and the team’s fitful response to the immigration raids terrorizing large swaths of its fan base. Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for fitful

Word History

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fitful was in 1592

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fitful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fitful. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

fitful

adjective
fit·​ful ˈfit-fəl How to pronounce fitful (audio)
: not regular : restless
fitful sleep
fitfully adverb
fitfulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on fitful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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