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 book examines his father’s experiences as a college dropout who impulsively enlisted in the Air Force and gets shipped overseas to Vietnam – and the long years of pain and PTSD that followed. —Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 27 June 2025

Falling returns There has also been a proliferation of for-profit schools that offer less great education, and more college dropouts. —Allison Schrager, Mercury News, 14 June 2025

Verb

DeSantis endorsed Trump after dropping out of the race in January 2024, and their relationship appears to have improved since. —Morgan Kromer, The Washington Examiner, 1 July 2025

Cohen later dropped out of the race, making his announcement during the halftime of the Super Bowl. —Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1930, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1875, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dropout

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dugout

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