Fitful (adjective)

1. Interrupting or starting and stopping repeatedly; irregular.
2. Marked by or given to sudden outbursts of energy or emotion.

Origin:

From middle english fitful, from fit + -ful.

Examples:

1. The wind was blowing in fitful gusts.
2. He had a fitful sleep, waking up every hour.
3. She had a fitful temper and would often lash out at others.
4. The progress of the project was fitful, with many stops and starts.
5. The company's profits were fitful and unreliable.