off-the-grid
/ˌɒf ðə ˈɡrɪd/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
Living or happening without public utilities, internet, or normal government services. It can also mean avoiding modern society and using very little outside support.
- They live off-the-grid in a forest cabin.
- Her family chose an off-the-grid lifestyle.
- The village is off-the-grid and hard to reach.
Adinary Nuance
Off-the-grid is stronger and more specific than remote or private. It usually suggests no utilities, no internet, or a deliberate step away from modern systems. Writers choose it when they want to show both distance and self-sufficiency.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- sống tách biệt
- Spanish
- fuera de la red
- Chinese
- 离网
- Japanese
- オフグリッド
- Korean
- 오프그리드
Etymology
This phrase comes from the idea of being off the power grid, meaning outside public utility systems. It became common in modern English in the late 20th century, especially for remote living.
Common phrases
off-the-grid livingan off-the-grid cabingo off-the-gridoff-the-grid lifestyle
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is off-the-grid formal or informal?
- It is fairly informal, but it is common in writing and speech. It is not slang.
- What is the difference between off-the-grid and remote?
- Remote means far away. Off-the-grid also means outside normal utilities or systems.
- Can I use off-the-grid for a person?
- Yes, if the person avoids modern systems or public contact. It is often used for lifestyle or location.
- Is off-the-grid used in business writing?
- Sometimes, but only when describing locations, housing, or lifestyle choices.