on-again-off-again
Flickering like candlelight
On-again-off-again describes something that repeatedly starts and stops, especially a romantic relationship that cycles through breakups and reconciliations: Their on-again-off-again relationship lasted five years.
The phrase also applies to negotiations, projects, or anything intermittent: The on-again-off-again peace talks finally collapsed.
Also spelled on-again, off-again.
Occurring at irregular intervals
- sporadicOccurring irregularly, infrequently
- inconsistentLacking steady uniformity
- fluctuatingShifting irregularly over time
- unpredictableCannot be anticipated
erratic · irregular · periodic · wavering · unstable · fitful · episodic · variable
Connection between entities
- coupleTwo linked together
- datingPursuing romantic connections
- breakupRomantic relationship's termination
- reconciliationRestoration of friendly relations
ex · reunited · separation · lovers · tumultuous · drama · chemistry · passion
Speaks with others
- stalledStopped unexpectedly
- resumedStarted again after stopping
- deadlockMutual blocking, no progress
- impasseSituation without resolution
breakthrough · diplomacy · ceasefire · treaty · mediator · bargaining · walkout · compromise
intermittent
Occurring at irregular intervals
- sporadicOccurring irregularly, infrequently
- inconsistentLacking steady uniformity
- fluctuatingShifting irregularly over time
unpredictable · erratic · irregular · periodic · wavering · unstable · fitful · episodic · variable · discontinuous
relationship
Connection between entities
- coupleTwo linked together
- datingPursuing romantic connections
- breakupRomantic relationship's termination
reconciliation · ex · reunited · separation · lovers · tumultuous · drama · chemistry · passion · toxic
talks
Speaks with others
impasse · breakthrough · diplomacy · ceasefire · treaty · mediator · bargaining · walkout · compromise · collapse
on-again-off-againconstant
Fixed, unvarying quantity
steady · stable · consistent · continuous · unwavering