off year

noun

1. a year without a major, especially presidential, election.

2. a year marked by reduced or inferior production or activity in a particular field, as farming, business, or sports.

   With its wet, cold summer, this was an off year for grapes.

Other Word Forms

• off-year adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of off year¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, Target is coming off years of declining sales and foot traffic, shrinking profits, and a steady deterioration in the store experience.

Read more on Barron's

This so-called "off year" election doesn't feature presidential or congressional races, but there are still several critical votes to watch tonight.

Read more on BBC

Tobacco doesn’t just lop off years at the end of life; it makes the last part of a shorter life more unpleasant, accelerating cognitive decline and increasing dementia risk.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Just before the fire, they paid $1,400 a month in rent for their lot; the house itself had been paid off years before.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

When Gascón took office four years ago, he blindsided many in his office with an inauguration address that announced drastic policy changes, kicking off years of bitter contention and lawsuits between him and his staff.

Read more on Los Angeles Times