off-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

After Hegseth gave us his version of news headlines, he performed a brief off-key song and dance before skating out of the room having accomplished little and settling nothing.

From Salon • Mar. 14, 2026

Playing on home clay in his first tournament since a three-month doping ban, Sinner overcame an off-key start before overcoming the 11th seed 1-6 6-0 6-3.

From BBC • May 16, 2025

True to Caray, it appealed to the masses for being endearingly off-key.

From New York Times • Aug. 4, 2023

Normally her singing, off-key and enthusiastic as it was, made me roll my eyes.

From "Shelter (Book One): A Mickey Bolitar Novel" by Harlan Coben