# drop out of

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/drop-out-of
Updated: 2026-08-02

## Definition

to stop doing something before you have finished it, especially a school or university course.

For teachers: to withdraw from an educational institution, competition, or organized activity before completion. The verb is intransitive in its base form ('he dropped out') but requires 'of' when followed by a specific object.

## Examples

- He decided to drop out of college to start a business.
- After struggling with the workload for three months, she finally chose to drop out of the marathon training program.
- The study examines why students from marginalized backgrounds are statistically more likely to drop out of higher education during their first year.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He dropped out the school." but "He dropped out of the school." — the preposition 'of' is mandatory when the place or activity being left is mentioned.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by a noun representing a course, school, or competition.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'quit' (more general) and 'withdraw' (more formal); emphasize that 'drop out' specifically implies leaving a structured path or system.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.