What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
desultory
Example
The speaker's desultory remarks failed to engage the audience. [desultory: adjective]
Example
He made a desultory attempt at cleaning his room, but quickly lost interest. [desultory: adjective]
sporadic
Example
The company experienced sporadic sales throughout the year. [sporadic: adjective]
Example
She had sporadic contact with her old friends after moving away. [sporadic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sporadic is more commonly used than desultory in everyday language. Sporadic is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while desultory is less common and often used in more formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between desultory and sporadic?
Desultory is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, while sporadic is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
