off key
Not in tune
Off key describes singing or playing that misses the correct musical pitch—slightly sharp or flat, producing a discordant sound: The whole choir went off key during the high notes.
Figuratively, something off key feels wrong or discordant in a non-musical sense: His joke landed off key at the somber gathering.
Also spelled off-key.
- flatLacking vertical variation
- sharpFine-edged, or astute
- pitchyMusically off-target
- discordantLacking musical agreement
- tone-deafCannot perceive pitch differences
sour · out of tune · tone deaf · tin ear · singing · karaoke · American Idol · cringe · wince · dissonant · jarring · voice · voice crack · warble · screech · squawk · choir · amateur
- singing abilitytone deaf, pitch perfect, sing like a bird, hit the high notes, in tune
- pitch problemswild pitch, balk, sharp note, monotone, flat tone
- music expressionsmusic to my ears, in tune, out of tune, play it by ear, strike a chord
overall musical quality
off keyharmonious
Pleasingly in accord
melodious · tuneful · euphonious · consonant · musical
figurative appropriateness
off keyfitting
Suitable or proper
appropriate · apt · in keeping · suitable · on point