# dropout

/ˈdɹɑˌpaʊt/ (US) · /dɹˈɒpaʊt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dropout
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

a person who leaves school, college, or a training program before they have finished it. It can also mean the act of stopping something before it is complete.

For teachers: a person who withdraws from an educational institution or a competitive process before completion. In technical contexts, refers to a momentary loss of signal or power.

## Examples

- He became a successful entrepreneur after being a college dropout.
- The university implemented new mentoring programs to reduce the high dropout rate among first-year engineering students.
- While some view the high school dropout as a failure of the individual, sociologists often point to systemic economic barriers that force students into the workforce prematurely.

## Usage notes

- Often used as a modifier before another noun, such as 'dropout rate' or 'dropout student'.

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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.