Definitions

off duty

[awf-doo-tee, -dyoo-, of-] / ˈɔfˈdu ti, -ˈdyu-, ˈɒf- /

ADVERB

not working

Synonyms

WEAK

at liberty on furlough on holiday on leave on one's own time on sabbatical on vacation

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Prosecutors said the 40 -year-old did this while off duty and on sick days to earn cash on the side of his day job.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

Platner pleaded ignorance—claiming that he had gotten inked with insignia while drunk and off duty in Croatia, and didn’t understand the horrific context until much later.

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026

Kirakosian said this incident likely resulted in an arrest because the agent was off duty.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 17, 2025

The allegations are said to have taken place both on and off duty between August 2024 and January 2025.

From BBC • Sep. 30, 2025

That is to say, it was towards the end of the day during a quiet week and I had been enjoying a rare hour or so off duty.

From "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro