out-of-the-way

[ out-uhv-thuh-wey ]

/ ˈaʊt əv ðəˌweɪ /

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See synonyms for out-of-the-way on Thesaurus.com

adjective

remote from much-traveled, frequented, or populous regions; secluded: an out-of-the-way inn up in the hills.

seldom encountered; unusual: out-of-the-way information.

giving offense; improper: an out-of-the-way remark.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of out-of-the-way

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use out-of-the-way in a sentence

“It was just an out-of-the-way village when we were there,” Gerald says.
We Built a School in Boko Haram’s Heartland|Michael Daly|May 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It caused such a controversy that it later was moved to a more out-of-the-way cemetery called Live Oak.
One Woman’s Fight Against a Tribute to an Early Leader of the Ku Klux Klan|Abigail Pesta|September 26, 2012|DAILY BEAST
We might be better off whispering our kudos or toasting each other in out-of-the-way bars.
The Looming Male Backlash|Rosalind C. Barnett, Caryl Rivers|March 26, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Lost names, forsaken beliefs…Bouvier is fascinated too by the Westerners washed up in these out-of-the-way lands.
Great Weekend Reads|The Daily Beast|November 20, 2010|DAILY BEAST

You never know when you are going to stumble upon a jewel in the most out-of-the-way corner.
Music-Study in Germany|Amy Fay
Mr. Slocum was not educated in a university, and his life has been in by-paths, and out-of-the-way places.
The Book of Anecdotes and Budget of Fun;|Various
Now, how comes it that you have turned up in this out-of-the-way part of the world?
The Floating Light of the Goodwin Sands|R.M. Ballantyne
The chief delight of motoring in Britain is seeing the country and the out-of-the-way places.
British Highways And Byways From A Motor Car|Thomas D. Murphy
“My having spent the last few years of my life in an out-of-the-way part of Ireland may account for that,” said Wallace.
Hunted and Harried|R.M. Ballantyne

British Dictionary definitions for out-of-the-way

out-of-the-way

adjective (prenominal)

distant from more populous areas

uncommon or unusual

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Idioms and Phrases with out-of-the-way

out of the way

Not obstructing, hindering, or interfering, as in This chair is out of the way now, so you won't trip. This phrase also appears in get out of the (or one's) way, as in Would you please get your coat out of the way? or Get your car out of my way. [Mid-1500s]

Taken care of, disposed of, as in I'm glad we got these details out of the way.

In a remote location, as in This restaurant is a little out of the way. [Mid-1300s]

Unusual, remarkable, as in It was out of the way for him to praise his staff. [Second half of 1500s]

Amiss, in error, improper, as in The security guard checked all the locks and saw nothing out of the way. [Early 1200s] Also see go out of one's way.

out-of-the-way

Origin of out-of-the-way

Words related to out-of-the-way

How to use out-of-the-way in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for out-of-the-way

Other Idioms and Phrases with out-of-the-way