fitful

adjective

fit·​ful ˈfit-fəl How to pronounce fitful (audio)
Synonyms of fitfulnext
1
obsolete : characterized by fits or paroxysms
2
: having an erratic or intermittent character : irregular
a fitful night of sleep
fitfully
ˈfit-fə-lē How to pronounce fitful (audio)
adverb
fitfulness noun

Synonyms of fitful

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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.
But the fact that most of our hopes remain unrealized should not revoke the reality of our fitful, painful progress. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026 That fitful sleep may lack the restorative qualities necessary for recovery. — Danielle Wilhour, The Conversation, 5 May 2026 These are also machine washable, meaning despite coffee spills and the general wear and tear of a fitful sleeper, these can be properly cleaned in the wash. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 26 June 2026 In the context of their fitful performance levels over the course of 2025-26, neither could feel too aggrieved to have missed out. — Rob Tanner, New York Times, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for fitful

Word History

Etymology

fit entry 4 + -ful entry 1

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

fit for a king
fitful
fitified
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Cite this Entry

“Fitful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fitful. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fitful

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

More from Merriam-Webster on fitful

Nglish: Translation of fitful for Spanish Speakers

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