What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sporadic
Example
The company experienced sporadic sales throughout the year. [sporadic: adjective]
Example
She made sporadic attempts to learn a new language but never stuck with it. [sporadic: adjective]
intermittent
Example
The power outages were intermittent, causing frustration for residents. [intermittent: adjective]
Example
He had intermittent success with his diet, sometimes sticking to it and other times giving in to temptation. [intermittent: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Intermittent is more commonly used than sporadic in everyday language. Intermittent is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sporadic is less common and may have a negative connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sporadic and intermittent?
Both sporadic and intermittent are formal words that are appropriate for use in academic or professional contexts.
