- not in the correct key
- out of tune
- out of keeping; discordant
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
off key adj , adv (off-key when prenominal)
ˈoff-ˈkey,
adj.
adv.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- out of tune:an off-key song.
- somewhat irregular, abnormal, or unsuitable.
adv.
- out of tune:sang off-key.
off-key
(ôf′kē′, of′-),USA pronunciation adj.
- deviating from the correct tone or pitch;
out of tune. - [Informal.]somewhat irregular, abnormal, or incongruous.
- 1925–30
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'off key' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
