dropout

1 of 2

noun

drop·​out ˈdräp-ˌau̇t How to pronounce dropout (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
From a high school dropout and gang member who experienced homelessness to a PhD holder and founder of the Love Beyond Walls non-profit, Lester shares his journey navigating the trauma of poverty while exposing the systemic educational injustices that trap Black communities. Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 9 Oct. 2025 These students face a future of academic struggles, higher dropout rates, and lower earning potential. Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
Now Danny Rohl — unattached after quitting Sheffield Wednesday — has dropped out of contention too. Phil Hay, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025 Pineville to see new mayor Mayor David Phillips dropped out of the election in July, leaving the seat open for his challenger, Council Member Amelia Stinson-Wesley. Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dropout

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1930, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dropout was in 1875

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Cite this Entry

“Dropout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dropout. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

dropout

1 of 2 noun
drop·​out ˈdräp-ˌau̇t How to pronounce dropout (audio)
: a person who drops out especially from a school or a training program

drop out

2 of 2 verb
: to withdraw from taking part or membership : quit
dropped out of school

More from Merriam-Webster on dropout

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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