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.

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

Hashimi charges into the breach with a head full of “improvements” she plans to make before Robby has even gone off duty.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 6, 2026

Police standards say officers' behaviour must not "discredit the police service or undermine public confidence, whether on or off duty".

From BBC • Oct. 1, 2025

“We are committed to ensuring accountability for actions both on and off duty, as public trust is earned through transparency, responsibility, and adherence to the law.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 25, 2025

Dr. Zamborska and Tina were loose about how Vivian spent her time when they were home and she was off duty.

From "Silent To The Bone" by E.L. Konigsburg