off the radar

USAGE SUMMARY

"off the radar" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has escaped attention or gone unnoticed. For example, "His recovery from addiction was so successful that his story went completely off the radar."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We'd completely dropped off the radar.

The Guardian - Music

Maybe Afghanistan has "fallen off the radar," he's asked.

The Guardian

Others simply drop off the radar.

Huffington Post

I went off the radar.

The New York Times - Arts

"We're just off the radar.

The New York Times

They were off the radar.

The Guardian

Third, get off the radar.

Harvard Business Review

Consequently, blogs fell off the radar.

The Guardian

Then he drops off the radar.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Get off the radar screen!

The New York Times

Most teenagers are too young to vote and are off the radar of political scientists.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "off the radar" to describe situations where something or someone has become less visible or noticeable. It is suitable for both intentional and unintentional disappearances from attention.

Common error

Avoid using "off the radar" when "off the grid" is more appropriate. "Off the grid" usually refers to a deliberate lifestyle choice to live independently of public utilities, while "off the radar" simply means out of sight or out of mind.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "off the radar" functions as an adjective phrase, often modifying nouns or pronouns to indicate a state of being unnoticed, unmonitored, or lacking importance. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "off the radar" is a common phrase used to describe something or someone that has become unnoticed or unimportant. Ludwig AI confirms that it’s grammatically correct and appropriate for use in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it’s important not to confuse it with "off the grid", which has a more specific meaning related to self-sufficiency. Understanding these nuances will help you use the phrase effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gone unnoticed

Directly states that something has not been observed or detected.

escaped detection

Highlights the successful avoidance of being discovered or identified.

under the radar

Indicates something is intentionally avoiding attention, implying a degree of secrecy or discretion.

off the grid

Implies a deliberate removal from conventional systems or observation, often involving self-sufficiency.

slipped through the cracks

Indicates that something has been missed or overlooked due to a flawed system or process.

out of sight, out of mind

Suggests that something is forgotten simply because it is no longer visible or present.

lost from view

Indicates something was visible before and is no longer observed, potentially due to distance or obstruction.

fallen by the wayside

Implies that something has been abandoned or neglected, often due to lack of resources or interest.

faded into obscurity

Implies a gradual decline into a state of being unknown or forgotten.

below the threshold of awareness

Suggests something is too subtle or insignificant to be consciously noticed.

FAQs

How can I use "off the radar" in a sentence?

You can use "off the radar" to describe something that is no longer being noticed or tracked, as in, "After the scandal, the company tried to stay "under the radar"", or "The small town is so "remote" it's completely "off the radar".

What does it mean when someone says something is "off the radar"?

When something is "off the radar", it means it's not currently being noticed, tracked, or considered important. It implies a lack of attention or visibility.

What are some alternatives to saying "off the radar"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like ""under the radar"", "unnoticed", "forgotten", or "out of sight, out of mind".

Is "off the radar" a formal or informal expression?

"Off the radar" is generally considered an informal expression suitable for everyday conversation and writing. While it can be used in some professional contexts, more formal alternatives might be preferable in highly formal settings.