Drop out Meaning and Definition
Drop out
Pronunciation
/ˈdrɒp aʊt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A person who stops attending school, college, or university, often due to lack of interest, poor academic performance, or other reasons.
Examples
- The high school student dropped out to pursue a career in music.
Synonyms
- Quitter
- Dropout
- Failure
Antonyms
- Graduate
- Succeed
- Finish
Etymology
The word ‘drop out’ originated in the mid-20th century, derived from the phrase ‘drop out of sight’, meaning to disappear or fade away.
Usage Notes
The term ‘drop out’ is typically used in an academic or educational context, and is often associated with negative connotations.
Cultural References
In popular culture, the term ‘drop out’ is often referenced in films, TV shows, and literature, highlighting the complexities and consequences of dropping out of education.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
‘Drop out’ is often used in idiomatic expressions such as ‘drop out of the blue’, meaning to suddenly and unexpectedly leave a situation or activity.
Related Words or Phrases
Words or phrases closely related to ‘drop out’ include ‘academic failure’, ‘school dropout’, and ‘quitting’
Collocations
Common collocations with ‘drop out’ include ‘high school’, ‘college’, and ‘university’
Frequency of Use
The term ‘drop out’ is relatively common in modern language, particularly in educational and social contexts
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of ‘drop out’ include ‘dip out’, ‘drop out’, and ‘drop-out’