off year

American  

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.

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Other Word Forms

• off-year adjective

Etymology

Origin of off year

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

He never broke into the National Hockey League but was chosen to captain Team Canada in 1999 and 2000, off years for the Winter Olympics.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From 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.

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times

Even in an “off year,” Jay-Z, 54, still went where few others have gone.

From Los Angeles Times