off year

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

ˈoff ˌyear, n. [countable]

1. Government a year without a major, esp. presidential, election.
2. a year that has reduced production or lower, poorer activity in a particular field.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

off′ year′, 

1. Government a year without a major, esp. 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.
• 1870–75
off′-year′, adj.