off base

[awf-beys, of-] / ˈɔfˈbeɪs, ˈɒf- /

PHRASE

mistaken; inappropriate; inapt

Synonyms

STRONGEST

erroneous inaccurate mistaken sadly mistaken wrong

STRONG

amiss improper inappropriate unsuitable

WEAK

beside the point inapt malapropos offside out in left field out of line unconnected unrelated

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.

What we are measuring, why we are measuring it, and where we might be off base.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

Public perception of a double-standard for the wealthy and powerful may not be so off base.

From BBC • Dec. 3, 2024

A spokesperson for Newsom rejected the idea that the governor’s statements were off base.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 16, 2023

Attorney Joyce Vance, who described Cannon's criticism of prosecutors as "off base."

From Salon • Nov. 7, 2023

Suddenly he didn’t seem so far off base.

From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer