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

Kirakosian said this incident likely resulted in an arrest because the agent was off duty.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 17, 2025

The allegations are said to have taken place both on and off duty between August 2024 and January 2025.

From BBC • Sep. 30, 2025

Seeing her, he had tucked up one bottom end of his apron into the belt, signifying that he was off duty for the moment and had come from behind the bar to meet her.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith