out-of-the-way

[out-uhv-thuh-wey]

adjective

1. remote from much-traveled, frequented, or populous regions; secluded.

   an out-of-the-way inn up in the hills.

2. seldom encountered; unusual.

   out-of-the-way information.

3. giving offense; improper.

   an out-of-the-way remark.

out-of-the-way

adjective

1. distant from more populous areas

2. uncommon or unusual

Word History and Origins

Origin of out-of-the-way¹

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300

Idioms and Phrases

Not obstructing, hindering, or interfering, as in This chair is out of the way now, so you won't trip . This phrase also appears in get out of the (or one's) way , as in Would you please get your coat out of the way? or Get your car out of my way . [Mid-1500s]

Taken care of, disposed of, as in I'm glad we got these details out of the way .

In a remote location, as in This restaurant is a little out of the way . [Mid-1300s]

Unusual, remarkable, as in It was out of the way for him to praise his staff . [Second half of 1500s]

Amiss, in error, improper, as in The security guard checked all the locks and saw nothing out of the way . [Early 1200s] Also see go out of one's way .

Example Sentences

These days, she sits in this berth in an out-of-the-way spot in the Port of Richmond.

From Los Angeles Times

Homeless people had always put up scattered tents, tarps and pallets in riverbeds, out-of-the-way spots and occasionally on Skid Row.

From Los Angeles Times

Landlords preferred more conventional retailers in their malls, relegating dentists to out-of-the-way locations if they would lease space to them at all.

From Los Angeles Times

Rural California, he said, was hit especially hard by Biden-era inflation, and residents there often pay more for groceries due to shipping costs to out-of-the-way places.

From Los Angeles Times

But what made Hydra unique was not only its monopoly but also its distribution system, which revolved around stashing gear in out-of-the-way hiding spots like a coke-dealing Easter Bunny — or Puff-Puff.

From Salon