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

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

Nilsson’s watercolors complemented the work of the Hairy Who while also being slightly off-key; imagine the same hectic ragtime played on a calliope instead of a piano. — Jeremy Lybarger, Artforum, 2 June 2026

That game became a cult hit for its hilarious simulations of everyday life, complete with Miis singing off-key, forming odd relationships and generating endless memes. — Jason Bennett, Arkansas Online, 24 May 2026

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