Words / B2

DROP-owt/ˈdrɒpaʊt/

A dropout is a person who leaves school or university before finishing; also that rate: a university dropout; the dropout rate. Withdrawal is a close administrative twin; early leaver is plainer. The dropout rate still needs the year and the n. Mix-up: dropout vs drop out (the verb, two words); drop-off; do not write dropout as an insult with no figure.

Meaning

A person who leaves school or university before finishing; also the rate of that leaving.

Examples

• “The dropout rate still needs the year and the n, the education paper said.”
• “A dropout from the trial featured in the methods, which is the lost-to-follow-up sense — still quote the n.”

Good to know

a school / university dropout; dropout rate; drop out (verb). Close: withdrawal / early leaver. Trap: drop-off. Education and methods. Someone who leaves a course early, or that rate — quote the year and the n.

Near in meaning

withdrawal, leaver, non-completer

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