Synonyms of dropoutnext
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

intransitive verb

: 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
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
According to the foundation, dropout rates eventually plummeted to 6% in Sevier County after the program was in place. Kimberlee Kruesi, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026 The project – selected for the Nordic Co-Production Market – sees an American dropout who tries to save her grandmother from dementia and accidentally triggers a zombie outbreak at a Norwegian nursing home. Marta Balaga, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
Fans would be talking themselves into 10 wins and a breakout season from Bryce Underwood while quietly fearing the bottom might drop out. Austin Meek, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Paul Baker actually has no problem dropping out, but voting has already begun. Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dropout

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1930, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1819, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dropout was in 1819

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Cite this Entry

“Dropout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dropout. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

dropout

1 of 2 noun
: a person who drops out especially from a school or a training program
: to withdraw from taking part or membership : quit
dropped out of school

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