- this word is used to describe appliances or other machines that have a metaphorical network, so they are being called “offline” when they cease to function properly. This is a metaphorical extension of the idea of being online vs. offline for computers and technology connected to the internet.
off-line
adjective; zero derivation
broken, out of order
Etymology : zero derivation of “off-line” vs. online for computer technology
Source : "Every time I turn around there's a new piece of essential equipment that's going off-line." –Mom, 9-1-17
Last modified: 3 December 2017