1. Help or support that is provided sporadically, inconsistently, or at irregular intervals rather than continuously
The government provided on-and-off assistance to the disaster victims throughout the year.
O governo forneceu assistência intermitente às vítimas do desastre ao longo do ano.
2. Support that alternates between being available and unavailable
She received on-and-off assistance from her family during her recovery.
Ela recebeu assistência intermitente de sua família durante sua recuperação.