dropout
UK[ˈdrɒpaʊt]US[ˈdrɑːpaʊt]
n
a person who leaves school, college, or university before finishing their studies
n
the act of leaving school, college, or university before finishing
Morpheme Breakdown
drop
out
drop
verb
out
adverb
Etymology
The word "dropout" is a modern English compound, formed by combining the verb "drop" with the adverb "out." The verb "drop" traces back to Old English droppian, related to the noun for a small globule of liquid, a concept rooted in Proto-Germanic drup- and ultimately the Proto-Indo-European root dhreu- meaning "to fall, drip, or droop." The adverbial particle "out" originates from Old English ūt, from Proto-Germanic ūt, related to the PIE root ud- meaning "up, out, or away." The compound's literal logic is "to drop out," implying a falling away from a group or system. It emerged in the early 20th century, initially describing the act of withdrawing from an organized activity, before becoming specifically associated with leaving an educational program before its completion.
Analysis
Structure: drop (verb) + out (adverb)
- drop: From Old English droppian (to fall in drops). In this compound, it functions as a verb meaning to fall away or leave.
- out: From Old English ūt (out, outside). In this compound, it functions as an adverb indicating a movement to the exterior or a state of being excluded.
Examples
He was considered a dropout when he left college to start his own business.
The university has implemented programs to reduce its student dropout rate.
After a year of struggling, she became a high school dropout.