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

“Shadow Ticket’s” structure turns the current film adaptation of “Vineland” inside out — that would be “One Battle After Another,” whose thrilling middle more than redeems an only slightly off-key beginning and end.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 30, 2025

These songs look and feel like old-Hollywood-style musical numbers, but charm because of their imperfections; characters sing off-key, they lose their breath and their voices crack.

From Salon • Dec. 7, 2024

The former Years & Years singer, 33, had been criticised on social media for his "weak" and "off-key" vocals during the semi-final on Tuesday after his mic pack fell off during his performance.

From BBC • May 12, 2024

“Pop and poke,” she sang in an off-key, slightly panicked voice.

From "Aru Shah and the End of Time" by Roshani Chokshi