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

To Perales, the criticism from strangers was as surprising as it was off base.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2025

But as the leverage situations have increased, Thornton has struggled to keep runners off base.

From Seattle Times • May 16, 2024

The BBC understands 32-year-old Maj Kevin McCool was on a motorcycle trip off base when he was attacked.

From BBC • Dec. 2, 2023

Suddenly he didn’t seem so far off base.

From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer