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
dropped out; dropping out; drops out
: 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
Scott Paddock, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
For one, the high dropout rate is reason for skepticism about the precise size of creatine’s effect.
—Dylan Scott, Vox, 25 Apr. 2025
Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 15 May 2025
The finance department said the cap is expected to result in an enrollment decline of 18,000 patients per month as people exceed income limits or drop out for other reasons and no new applicants are accepted.
—Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for dropout
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
But right now, there’s a barrier for employers: the high prescription price coupled with high dropout rates.
—Scott Paddock, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
For one, the high dropout rate is reason for skepticism about the precise size of creatine’s effect.
—Dylan Scott, Vox, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
In some places, wild runs are still hanging on or are supplemented by hatcheries, while in others, the bottom has dropped out entirely.
—Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 15 May 2025
The finance department said the cap is expected to result in an enrollment decline of 18,000 patients per month as people exceed income limits or drop out for other reasons and no new applicants are accepted.
—Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for dropout
Cite this Entry
“Dropout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dropout. Accessed 19 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
: to withdraw from taking part or membership : quit
dropped out of school
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share