The word 'sporadically-used' is a compound formed from 'sporadically' (from 'sporadic') and 'used'. 'Sporadic' originates from Medieval Latin 'sporadicus', from Greek 'sporadikos', from 'sporas' meaning 'scattered'.

'Sporadic' entered English from Medieval Latin 'sporadicus', and 'sporadically' was formed as its adverb. The compound 'sporadically-used' is a modern English formation.

Initially, 'sporadic' meant 'scattered' or 'occasional', and 'sporadically-used' has kept the meaning of being used at irregular or scattered intervals.