off-kilter

adjective

off-kil·​ter ˈȯf-ˈkil-tər 

1

: not in perfect balance : a bit askew

off-kilter camera angles

His hat was slightly off-kilter.

2

: eccentric, unconventional

off-kilter characters

an off-kilter approach

Synonyms of off-kilter

• bizarre
• strange
• weird
• funny
• odd
• erratic
• peculiar
• curious
• eccentric
• remarkable
• crazy
• unusual

Examples of off-kilter in a Sentence

he's nice enough, but there's something a little off-kilter about him

to me, the painting on the wall looks a little off-kilter

Recent Examples on the Web

And because the cut is all about an off-kilter feel, natural texture only lends to the structure. — Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 4 July 2026

His specific visual language — off-kilter, comedic, collaborative — scored him legions of fans. — Maria Sherman, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026

But Claire has her limits from the lopsided equilibrium — Libras bounce when the romantic balance is off-kilter. — Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026

Their iconic poppy flowers and off-kilter stripes are a great way to make an immediate impression and look especially beautiful on large-scale upholstery or drapery. — Alyssa Longobucco, Architectural Digest, 19 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for off-kilter

• filter
• kilter
• quilter