Definitions

off-key

[awf-kee, of-] / ˈɔfˈki, ˈɒf- /

ADJECTIVE

not sounding right

Synonyms

STRONGEST

discordant dissonant

WEAK

abnormal anomalous clinker deviant divergent flat inharmonious irregular jarring not harmonious off-pitch off-tone out of keeping out of pitch out-of-tune sour sour note unmusical unnatural untuned

Antonyms

STRONGEST

concordant harmonious

WEAK

on-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

One person hemmed in by perfectionist anxiety was invited to sing with an off-key Masli.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 21, 2025

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

Zohra pulls up Taylor Swift on YouTube and starts to sing along with her off-key.

From "Amina's Song" by Hena Khan

off-key

Example Sentences

Related Words