off-key

[ awf-kee, of- ]

adjective

1. deviating from the correct tone or pitch; out of tune.
2. Informal. somewhat irregular, abnormal, or incongruous.

off key

adjective

1. music
   1. not in the correct key
   2. out of tune
2. out of keeping; discordant

Word History and Origins

Origin of off-key¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

That moment when Jake sings an off-key version of “...Baby One More Time” is “burned into my frontal cortex,” he says.

From Los Angeles Times

And as for all those off-key notes, “Neither Arthur nor Lee are professional singers, and they shouldn’t sound like they are,” Gaga told Vogue.

From Los Angeles Times

"In a new country I would often find myself 'off-key'," he said.

From Science Daily

If their off-key, overlooked masterpiece “Mississippi Grind” is any indication, “Freaky Tales” may well be the next iteration of Boden and Fleck at their loose and lived-in best.

From Los Angeles Times

“Home sweet home,” Mom sang off-key as the Toyota chugged into the driveway.

From Literature

Related Words

• discordant
• dissonant