1. To be in a position, state, or predicament so hopeless or painful that death would be the preferable solution. This cancer is just going to get worse, crippling me with pain every day. I'd be better off dead. I lost everything I own to gambling and am still in debt. I'm better off dead at this point.

2. To be of so little use or consequence, or of such an unpleasant nature, that the world would benefit from the person not being alive. John bungles everything he tries to do and aggravates everyone he knows. He'd just be better off dead.