one-off

== English == === Etymology === From one +‎ off. Probably from foundry work, for which making reusable molds is expensive and expediency makes the rule for molds not to be used only once. A term long used by artists who are printmakers and sculptors to indicate a unique print or casting. If using traditional edition numbering, a one-off would be a "1/1", which is said, "one of one" meaning the first print in an edition of one. === Pronunciation === === Adjective === one-off (comparative more one-off, superlative most one-off) Occurring once, independent of any pattern; one-time. Synonyms: unique, singular Special; remarkable; rare; unusual. Synonyms: unique, singular ==== Usage notes ==== Much more common outside US. Relative usage frequency 5% (COCA versus BNC). ==== Synonyms ==== nonce one-shot ==== Translations ==== === Noun === one-off (plural one-offs) (idiomatic, Commonwealth) Something that is done, created, etc. only once, and often quickly, simply, or improvisationally. Near-synonym: stand-alone Something unique and remarkable. Near-synonym: stand-alone ==== Translations ==== === See also === break the mold, break the mould === References === “one-off”, in Lexico, Dictionary.com; Oxford University Press, 2019–2022.