sporadic
Adjective
Medium difficulty
What does “sporadic” mean?
adjective.occurring at irregular intervals or only in a few places; scattered or isolated.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in contexts related to weather patterns, scientific observations, or social phenomena, suggesting a lack of consistency or predictability. It emphasizes the irregularity and randomness of occurrences, distinguishing itself from words like "constant," which implies regularity and reliability.
Common Confusions
Sporadic implies occurrences that are irregular and scattered, while consistent usually suggests a steady, uniform presence or frequency over time.
Do not choose sporadic if the context emphasizes consistency or regularity rather than occurring at irregular intervals or only in a few places; scattered or isolated.
Example Sentences
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Rain fell in sporadic bursts throughout the afternoon.