"offline" vs "off-line"

Question

"offline" vs "off-line"

Both "offline" and "off-line" are correct, but "offline" is more commonly used in modern English. The hyphenated form "off-line" is becoming less common and is often seen as outdated.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

The word "offline" is used to describe a state of being disconnected from the internet or a network.

Examples:

I can't watch the video right now because I'm offline.
The website is temporarily offline for maintenance.
Please save your work before going offline.
The app has an offline mode for use without an internet connection.
The store's payment system went offline for a few hours.

Alternatives:

not connected to the internet
disconnected
not online
in an offline state
without internet access

The term "off-line" is an older form of the word "offline" and is used to describe being disconnected from the internet or a network.

Examples:

The system can still function off-line.
You can work on the document off-line and then sync it later.
The off-line mode allows you to use the device without an internet connection.

Alternatives:

not connected to the internet
disconnected
not online
in an off-line state
without internet access

Answer 1

offline

This is the more commonly used form in modern English.

Answer 2

off-line

This form is correct but less commonly used in modern English.

"offline" vs "off-line"

offline

off-line

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