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fail intermittently

[/feɪl ˌɪntərˈmɪtəntli/]
verb phrase
falhar intermitentemente
1. to stop working or functioning periodically, with periods of normal operation in between failures
The printer tends to fail intermittently, sometimes working perfectly and sometimes jamming.
A impressora tende a falhar intermitentemente, às vezes funcionando perfeitamente e às vezes travando.
2. to break down or malfunction at irregular intervals rather than completely or consistently
The internet connection fails intermittently during peak hours.
A conexão de internet falha intermitentemente durante as horas de pico.
Synonyms
malfunction periodicallybreak down occasionallyfail sporadicallywork unreliably
Antonyms
function reliablywork consistentlyoperate continuously

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
falhar intermitentemente
most common usage
Brazil
dar problema de vez em quando
colloquial alternative
Portugal
falhar intermitentemente
formal and technical usage
Brazil
funcionar aos trancos e barrancos
informal, means working in fits and starts

Related Idioms & Phrases

on the fritz
acting up
glitchy
unreliable as a three-dollar bill
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