fitfulness

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

fitfulness
    n 1: the quality of being spasmodic and irregular [syn:
         {fitfulness}, {jerkiness}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Fitful \Fit"ful\, a. [From 7th {Fit}.]
   Full of fits; irregularly variable; impulsive and unstable.
   [1913 Webster]

         After life's fitful fever, he sleeps well. --Shak.
   -- {Fit"ful*ly}, adv. -- {Fit"ful*ness}, n.
   [1913 Webster]

         The victorious trumpet peal
         Dies fitfully away.                      --Macaulay.
   Fithel