off-key

adjective or adverb

ˈȯf-ˈkē 

1

: varying in pitch from the proper tone of a melody

2

: irregular, anomalous

Examples of off-key in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

His swan song was often off-key. — Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 26 Apr. 2026

Warming up, Smith throws back his head and belts Bieber lyrics, joyfully off-key. — Sam Kestenbaum, Vulture, 2 Jan. 2026

With proper training, employees learned to spot telltale signs like off-key speech or conflicting information. — Steve Piper, Forbes.com, 18 Feb. 2026

Should you ever get distracted by such off-key turns, however, the film is quick to directly remind you which other movies it’s supposed to remind you of. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 18 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

off-key

adjective or adverb

ˈȯf-ˈkē

: above or below the proper tone of a melody

singing off-key