sporadic
Sporadic (adj) means happening occasionally and irregularly, with no clear pattern. Example: “There was sporadic gunfire in the distance throughout the night.”
How to use sporadic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHappening every now and then, without any regular pattern.
Word forms
more sporadic comparative, most sporadic superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
There was _____ gunfire in the distance throughout the night.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek sporas, "scattered," via Medieval Latin sporadicus.
Rhymes for sporadic
See all rhymes for sporadic →Frequently asked questions
What does “sporadic” mean?
The word “sporadic” means happening occasionally and irregularly, with no clear pattern. In plain terms, happening every now and then, without any regular pattern.
How do you pronounce “sporadic”?
“Sporadic” is pronounced spuh-RAD-ihk (/spəˈɹæd.ɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “sporadic” in a sentence?
Here is “sporadic” used in a sentence: “There was sporadic gunfire in the distance throughout the night.”
What part of speech is “sporadic”?
“Sporadic” is an adjective.
Where does the word “sporadic” come from?
The word “sporadic” comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek sporas, "scattered," via Medieval Latin sporadicus.
Is “sporadic” a common word?
“Sporadic” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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