one-time

American  

[wuhn-tahym] / ˈwʌnˌtaɪm /

Or onetime

adjective

1. having been as specified at one time; former.

   my one-time partners.

   Synonyms:

   past, previous

2. occurring, done, or accomplished only once.

   his one-time try at elective office.

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one-time British  

adjective

1. (prenominal) at some time in the past; former

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adverb

1. informal at once

Etymology

Origin of one-time

First recorded in 1880–85

Explanation

Use the adjective one-time to mean "long ago" or "former." For example, a one-time movie star was famous in the past, but might not be recognized today. A one-time chess champion might have won competitions years and years ago. A one-time international spy may have had exciting adventures in her youth, although today she could very well be an unassuming elderly lady. The one-time star of a basketball team isn't anymore, and a one-time dog owner might have switched to keeping cats instead.

Example Sentences

Stripping out one-time items, adjusted earnings were $12.80 a share, beating analysts’ projections for $12.57.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

They will also continue to get Dominion’s current quarterly dividend through the completion of the deal alongside a one-time cash payment of $360 million.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

Analysts had forecast sales at 5.1 billion euros and Ebitda before one-time items at 1.46 billion euros, according to consensus estimates provided by the company.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

The company attributed the drop to the large, one-time sale of a quantum computer in the year prior.

From Barron's • May 12, 2026

The MetroCard let him ride the train as much as he liked for just a one-time charge.

From "Miracle's Boys" by Jacqueline Woodson