[fit.ful] adj (1592) 1 obs: characterized by fits or paroxysms
2: having an erratic or intermittent character: irregular -- fit.ful.ly adv -- fit.ful.ness n syn fitful, spasmodic, convulsive mean lacking steadiness or regularity in movement. fitful implies intermittence, a succession of starts and stops or risings and fallings "fitful sleep". spasmodic adds to fitful the implication of rapid or violent activity alternating with inactivity "spasmodic growth". convulsive suggests the breaking of regularity or quiet by uncontrolled movement "convulsive shocks".