Occasional/əˈkeɪʒənl/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Unpredictable Timing The word 'occasional' suggests an element of unpredictability about when something happens. His occasional outbursts are unexpected and rare. Pro Tip 2/3Not Routine 'Occasional' indicates events that are not routine or regular parts of a schedule. We have occasional meetings, different from our weekly ones. Pro Tip 3/3Reduced Frequency Use 'occasional' to describe something that does not happen often or is not continuous. She takes an occasional glance at her watch during work.