Spasmodic

Describing something that occurs or proceeds intermittently or irregularly, often characterized by sudden, brief bursts of activity or intensity, followed by periods of inactivity or calmness. It can relate to physical actions like muscle contractions or broader contexts such as events, processes, or emotions. It implies a lack of steadiness, consistency, or predictability, often indicating an underlying instability or underlying issue. The term can also describe situations marked by sudden, brief, and intense emotional reactions or bursts of creativity or effort followed by a period of nothingness. It is often used to portray an inconsistent pattern.

Spasmodic meaning with examples

• The patient experienced spasmodic muscle contractions, making it difficult for the doctor to diagnose the underlying neurological condition. These intermittent, involuntary movements were a key symptom to her presentation. The spasms would grip the muscles of her limbs with unpredictable force, leading to her immobility and distress.
• The company's sales figures showed spasmodic growth, with substantial gains in some quarters followed by significant downturns in others. This inconsistent performance made it difficult to plan for the long term and invest in new marketing and advertising programs, and the board was not happy.
• Her writing style was often spasmodic; she would experience intense bursts of creativity and productivity followed by long periods of inactivity and writer's block. She produced a chapter of her work daily one week, but only a paragraph the following, this was a concern.
• After the initial shock, his efforts to recover his business became spasmodic; he would work intensely for a few days, then lose motivation for weeks. This inconsistent work ethic delayed the progress of his goal to see his business succeed once again, despite his best efforts.