intermittency

noun

in·ter·mit·ten·cy ˌin-tər-ˈmi-tən(t)-sē

: intermittence

Examples of intermittency in a Sentence

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.

With natural gas priced prohibitively high, coal capacity constrained, and wind and solar subject to intermittency, where can Europe source stable, dispatchable power that reduces reliance on fossil fuel imports? — CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026 Renewable capacity can be added relatively quickly, but intermittency increases the need for storage, firm generation, and transmission. — Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 Big batteries, which store energy when the sun isn’t shining and wind isn’t blowing, are fixing renewables’ intermittency issues. — Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 7 July 2026 Wind and solar power have intermittency issues and their federal tax credits are expiring. — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for intermittency

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of intermittency was in 1662

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Intermittency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intermittency. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

intermittency

noun

Examples of intermittency in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

inscrutable

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes