Off-course

Off-course describes something that is deviating from its intended route, plan, or purpose. This can apply to physical objects like a ship or a rocket, as well as abstract concepts such as a business strategy or a personal goal. Being off-course implies a misalignment, a failure to follow the prescribed path, which often necessitates correction or adjustment to regain the desired trajectory or outcome. The degree of deviation can vary, from slight alterations to drastic shifts, potentially leading to unexpected consequences or a completely different destination. It signifies a loss of direction or focus and suggests the need for course correction.

Off-course meaning with examples

• The ship, caught in a sudden storm, was blown severely off-course, miles away from its scheduled route. The captain and crew worked tirelessly to recalibrate their instruments and steer back onto the planned path. Passengers, initially worried, eventually relaxed as the crew managed to safely correct their navigation, demonstrating the importance of adaptability in adverse conditions.
• The company's marketing campaign, initially designed to attract a younger demographic, went dramatically off-course when its messaging was widely misunderstood. The negative reaction on social media and dwindling sales figures forced a quick pivot in strategy. They quickly had to re-evaluate their targeted audience and revise their advertising to attract their intended demographic again.
• Sarah felt her fitness goals were going off-course as the weeks passed and she continually skipped workouts. She struggled to find the time, and started rationalizing the occasional missed session, until she was left with no motivation and had to work harder to find the motivation again. She needed a fresh approach and stronger discipline to get back on track.
• The rocket, intended for a lunar orbit, unexpectedly veered off-course during its ascent due to a malfunction in its guidance system. Engineers at the control center scrambled to remotely adjust the trajectory. The successful intervention averted a complete mission failure, and ensured the payload reached its intended location, though with a slight delay.
• After his job loss, David's financial plan seemed to go off-course. He had to start taking any job he could to get by, instead of trying to follow his savings and investment plan. However, with meticulous budgeting and a revised career search strategy, he managed to gradually stabilize his finances and regain control. He felt it would take time, but that things were trending back up.