What is another word for fits and starts?
Pronunciation: [fˈɪts and stˈɑːts] (IPA) 
Fits and starts is a commonly used phrase to describe irregular, stop-and-go progress or behavior in a particular activity or situation. There are many synonyms one could use instead of fits and starts, such as sporadic, inconsistent, intermittent, or fluctuating. Each of these words conveys a sense of unpredictability and inconsistency, suggesting that progress or behavior is not consistently stable or reliable. Alternatives such as spasmodic, hiccupping, or jerky convey a similar sense of jarring interruptions or sudden stops. Whatever the specific synonym, the common thread is the implication that progress is slow or hesitant, with starts and stops along the way.
