Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Occurring in irregular, intermittent bursts; not continuous or steady: Describes something that happens in sudden, short, and often intense episodes, with pauses in between.
   • Relating to, affected by, or resembling a spasm; convulsive: Describes movements or actions that are sudden, involuntary, and jerky, like a muscle spasm.

Usage

• The word "spasmodic" is used to describe actions, events, or conditions that are not smooth, regular, or continuous.
• It often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying a lack of reliability, consistency, or control.
• As an adjective, it typically comes before a noun (e.g., ) or after a linking verb (e.g., ).

Examples

• Describing irregular occurrence:
  • The company's growth has been spasmodic, with periods of rapid expansion followed by long stagnations.
  • We could hear spasmodic gunfire in the distance throughout the night.
• Describing jerky, convulsive movement:
  • The patient's arm made a spasmodic twitch.
  • His laughter was spasmodic and unnerving.

Advanced Usage

• "spasmodically" (adverb): In a spasmodic manner.
  • The engine coughed spasmodically before finally starting.
  • He worked spasmodically on the novel, sometimes writing for days and then not touching it for months.

Variants and Related Words

• Spasm (noun): A sudden, involuntary muscular contraction; a sudden burst of activity or emotion.
  • A muscle spasm in his back caused him pain.
  • The news prompted a spasm of anger among the crowd.
• Spastic (adjective): Relating to or affected by muscle spasm. (Note: When referring to a medical condition, this term is now often considered outdated and potentially offensive; "spasmodic" is generally preferred for describing the nature of movements.)
• Convulsive (adjective): Involving or producing a sudden, violent, irregular movement. A close synonym in the context of movement.

Synonyms

• Fitful: Occurring in short, irregular bursts.
• Intermittent: Stopping and starting at irregular intervals.
• Erratic: Not even or regular in pattern or movement; unpredictable.
• Jerky: Characterized by abrupt, sharp movements.

Antonyms

• Continuous: Without interruption.
• Steady: Regular, even, and uninterrupted in development, frequency, or intensity.
• Constant: Occurring continuously over a period of time.
• Regular: Happening or occurring at fixed, uniform intervals.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• In fits and starts: By irregular bursts of activity. This idiom is very close in meaning to one sense of "spasmodic."
  • The project progressed in fits and starts. (This is similar to saying The project's progress was spasmodic.)

Adjective

1. occurring in spells and often abruptly
   • fitful bursts of energy
   • spasmodic rifle fire
2. affected by involuntary jerky muscular contractions; resembling a spasm
   • convulsive motions
   • his body made a spasmodic jerk
   • spastic movements