English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun B2 Upper-Intermediate

dropout

Quiz me More like this

Dropout (noun) means a person who leaves school or a course before finishing it. Example: “He was a college dropout who went on to start his own business.”

noun
1
A person who leaves school or a course before finishing it.
"He was a college dropout who went on to start his own business."
2
A brief, unwanted loss of signal, audio, or video.
"The call suffered from a dropout right at the crucial moment."

How to use dropout

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone who quits an educational course early, or a short break in a signal or recording.

Common pairings
high school dropout signal dropout
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like dropout.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice

Word forms

Plural
dropouts
Test yourself on “dropout” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He was a college _____ who went on to start his own business.

Etymology

Formed as a noun from the verb phrase drop out.

Rhymes for dropout

See all rhymes for dropout →

Frequently asked questions

What does “dropout” mean?
The word “dropout” means a person who leaves school or a course before finishing it. In plain terms, someone who quits an educational course early, or a short break in a signal or recording.
How do you use “dropout” in a sentence?
Here is “dropout” used in a sentence: “He was a college dropout who went on to start his own business.”
What part of speech is “dropout”?
“Dropout” is a noun.
How many meanings does “dropout” have?
“Dropout” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who leaves school or a course before finishing it.

Featured in