off-key

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.

He and his comrades were often forced to sing Soviet songs and were punished if they didn't sing "loud enough or sang off-key".

From Barron's • May 8, 2026

She’s funny and interesting and a little off-key but fully committed, and you never know what she’s going to do next.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2026

These songs look and feel like old-Hollywood-style musical numbers, but charm because of their imperfections; characters sing off-key, they lose their breath and their voices crack.

From Salon • Dec. 7, 2024

The former Years & Years singer, 33, had been criticised on social media for his "weak" and "off-key" vocals during the semi-final on Tuesday after his mic pack fell off during his performance.

From BBC • May 12, 2024

Of a few days before, when Liam had been in the driver’s seat, singing along to Derek and the Dominos’ “Layla” at the top of his lungs, so off-key that it had even Chubs laughing.

From "The Darkest Minds" by Alexandra Bracken