one-off

Definition

Occurring once, independent of any pattern; one-time.

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.

Example Sentences

• "The government insisted that the embarrassing loss of the tax records was a one-off event."
• "Seeing Halley's Comet is a one-off, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
• "If such a casting was wanted in a hurry — a one-off job — there would be no question of molding it on a machine."