# offline

/ˈɔˌfɫaɪn/ (US) · /ˈɒflaɪn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/offline
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Senses

### 1. not connected to the internet

adverb · CEFR B1

while not connected to the internet or a computer network.

For teachers: in a state of being disconnected from a central network or the internet.

- You can still draft your emails offline and send them later when you have Wi-Fi.
- The software allows researchers to collect data offline in remote areas where satellite connectivity is intermittent or non-existent.

Usage: Often functions as an adverb of manner following the verb.

### 2. outside of a meeting

adverb · CEFR B2 · Informal

to discuss something later in private instead of during a group meeting.

For teachers: to engage in a private or separate discussion outside the current formal forum or meeting.

- That is a good point, but let's take this conversation offline so we don't waste the group's time.
- The manager suggested taking the budget dispute offline to avoid derailment of the general project briefing.

Usage: Commonly used in the phrasal construction 'to take [something] offline'.

### 3. disconnected

adjective · CEFR B1

describes a computer or system that is not connected to the internet.

For teachers: pertaining to a system or device that is not currently linked to a network or the power grid.

- The printer is offline, so I cannot print my homework right now.
- The primary server went offline following a localized power failure, triggering the immediate activation of the backup system.

### 4. in the physical world

adjective · CEFR B2

happening in real life rather than on the internet.

For teachers: occurring in the physical world as opposed to a virtual or digital environment.

- It was nice to finally meet my gaming friends at an offline event.
- The retailer is struggling to balance its digital marketing strategy with the declining foot traffic in its offline stores.

### 5. to disconnect a system

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

to stop a system or machine from being connected to a network.

For teachers: to deliberately disconnect a system, server, or component from an active network state.

- The engineers had to offline the server to perform emergency repairs.
- The administrator decided to offline the affected nodes to prevent the malware from spreading across the entire corporate network.

Usage: Used as a transitive verb taking a system or device as its object.

## Examples

- I prefer to read my long documents offline.
- We have a lot to cover today, so let's take this specific technical issue offline.
- The system allows users to input data while offline, which then synchronizes automatically with the central database once a stable connection is re-established.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.