What does "intermittent" mean?

The term "intermittent" describes something that occurs at irregular intervals; it is not continuous and does not maintain a consistent pattern. This definition aligns perfectly with the idea of being irregular or not continuous, as it implies interruptions or breaks in occurrence. For example, if services or events are described as intermittent, they will happen sporadically rather than in a constant flow, reflecting variability in timing and frequency.

Understanding "intermittent" in this way makes it clear why the other options do not fit. Definitions like "constant" or "steady, without breaks" imply a reliable and unbroken occurrence, which directly contradicts the essence of something that is intermittent. Similarly, while "occasional but frequent" might suggest some level of regularity, it still does not capture the essence of irregular intervals characteristic of the term "intermittent." Therefore, the best interpretation reflects that it refers to something that does not occur consistently over time.