off-brand

[ awf-brand, of- ]

adjective

1. not having a recognized or popular brand or name:

   an off-brand TV set.

2. being a cheap or inferior brand or grade:

   off-brand batteries that never work when you need them.

noun

1. a brand or name that is unrecognized or relatively unfamiliar.
2. a cheap or inferior brand.

Word History and Origins

Origin of off-brand¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

“It would be off-brand for them to be selling things that consumers think would be too expensive.”

From Slate

We go up an aisle and grab off-brand snacks I’ve never heard of: Sour Patch Adults, Chocolate Sandwich Cookies with Cream, Rainbow-Colored Chews, and my favorite, A Chocolate Bar with Peanuts and Caramel.

From Literature

“You can get off-brand ones for under $20 on Amazon,” he advises.

From Seattle Times

This time, it’s the off-brand “John Wick” ripoff “The Beekeeper,” starring Jason Statham and directed by David Ayer.

From Los Angeles Times

The “off-brand” line appears elsewhere in “Songs” and also in “Afterparties.”

From Los Angeles Times