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

Even with the usual dropouts and injury replacements, unfortunately including Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge, there's plenty of star-power on the field at the All-Star Game. — Ian Miller, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2026

For years, school administrators across the system used flawed methods to track graduation rates, often counting students who had transferred to other schools as dropouts. — Savannah Peters, Fortune, 13 July 2026

Verb

At least the two lead actresses have chemistry with one another, and the much less experienced Dialo holds her own, despite having gotten the part at the last minute after another actor had to drop out. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 2026

Kalena Bruce, who was also seeking the nomination for the 4th District, called on non-resident candidates to drop out of the race. — Jack Harvel july 15, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1930, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1819, 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