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off-brand

American  
[awf-brand, of-] / ˈɔfˌbrænd, ˈɒf- /

adjective

  1. not having a recognized or popular brand or name.

    an off-brand TV set.

  2. being a cheap or inferior brand or grade.

    off-brand batteries that never work when you need them.


noun

  1. a brand or name that is unrecognized or relatively unfamiliar.

  2. a cheap or inferior brand.

Etymology

Origin of off-brand

First recorded in 1890–95


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.

See Examples For:

Residential proxy software has been spotted on cheap, off-brand video-streaming gadgets, too.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 3, 2026

It’s music that never met a mismatched rear spoiler it didn’t love—tunes that are likely to show up with an off-brand energy drink and a new exotic pet.

From Salon ● May 16, 2025

“It would be off-brand for them to be selling things that consumers think would be too expensive.”

From Slate ● Jul. 24, 2024

Another off-brand season in a tough conference could be problem.

From Seattle Times ● Aug. 15, 2023

They sell off-brand cassette tapes and ladies’ scarves and 990 hardcover books and a dozen other items.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee

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