: 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
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.
In it, the actress and singer reflected on her relationship history, including her on-again, off-again romance with Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko. Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026 But destroying morale and stirring chaos with on-again, off-again layoffs is certainly not the way to do it. The Atlantic, 19 May 2026 The Dodgers’ on-again, off-again offense had just one hit off Atlanta right-hander Spencer Strider, who could serve as a guide of sorts for Snell. Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 10 May 2026 And Jahara Malik, Yahkeim’s on-again, off-again girlfriend, would be the reason why. Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 5 May 2026 Amid the on-again, off-again talks of redevelopment, Prebys Foundation has, in concert with the Downtown Partnership, attempted to keep momentum going. Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026 CEOs were already confronting a period of rapid change thanks to seismic shifts in AI, sustained inflation, and on-again, off-again tariffs, and many are now struggling with how to digest the latest round of developments. Shelly Banjo, semafor.com, 13 Apr. 2026 There was drama in Season 2 around Maddy’s on-again, off-again boyfriend, Nate (Jacob Elordi)—an arrogant, abusive, all-around terrible jock—hooking up with Cassie. Judy Berman, Time, 10 Apr. 2026 The city would serve as his on-again, off-again home base for the next six decades. Terry Nguyen, ARTnews.com, 10 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of on-again, off-again was in 1946

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Cite this Entry

“On-again, off-again.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on-again%2C%20off-again. Accessed 27 May. 2026.

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