on-again, off-again

adjective

ˈȯn-ə-ˈgen-ˈȯf-ə-ˈgen 

: existing briefly and in an intermittent unpredictable way

on-again, off-again fads

Examples of on-again, off-again in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The warring powers have been locked in an on-again, off-again war since late February, one that’s kept a lid on global oil supply and a foot on the gas pedal for inflation. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026

There will be on-again, off-again showers throughout the afternoon and into the evening. — Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 27 Sep. 2026

Before Jala took over, the space was home to on-again, off-again brunch restaurant Another Broken Egg. — Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2026

Dissent before the deal The pace of the negotiations, which had been on-again, off-again for weeks, quickened last week, and Bonta’s office had reached a deal with Paramount by Friday, sources said. — Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for on-again, off-again

• again
• airmen
• amen
• bullpen
• culmen
• flagmen
• gunmen
• lawmen
• oilmen
• playpen
• schoolmen
• tegmen