dropout

1 of 2

noun

drop·​out ˈdräp-ˌau̇t 

1

a

: one who drops out of school

b

: one who drops out of conventional society

c

: one who abandons an attempt, activity, or chosen path

a corporate dropout

2

: a momentary defect on a magnetic tape or disk caused by a temporary loss of signal

drop out

2 of 2

verb

ˌdräp-ˈau̇t 

dropped out; dropping out; drops out

intransitive verb

: to withdraw from participation or membership : quit

especially : to withdraw from conventional society

Examples of dropout in a Sentence

Noun

The program is designed for dropouts who wish to get high school equivalency certificates.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The organization began in 2005 after San Jose teacher Charles Schmuck became concerned by the high college dropout rate of first-generation, low-income youth from San Mateo County and the Mid-Peninsula area. —Molly Gibbs, The Mercury News, 13 Dec. 2024

This individualized approach keeps learners engaged, helps them master concepts more effectively, and reduces the dropout rate. —Sandy Carter, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

Verb

Memphis and Dayton each dropped out of the rankings. —Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 23 Dec. 2024

Looking back, Bonvicini is glad her mom never gave her permission to drop out. —Nicolas Vega, CNBC, 22 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1930, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1875, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

dropout

1 of 2 noun

drop·​out ˈdräp-ˌau̇t 

: a person who drops out especially from a school or a training program

drop out

2 of 2 verb

dräp-ˈau̇t 

: to withdraw from taking part or membership : quit

dropped out of school