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

CBP told the BBC on Tuesday it had taken the agents off duty following standard protocol.

From BBC • Jan. 28, 2026

Recently, while he was off duty, a Rolls–Royce caught Caviness’s eye in a garage near a Maryland casino.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 28, 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

All the grenadier and light infantry companies were to be taken off duty until further orders.

From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes