dropout

/ˌdrɑpˈaʊt/

/ˈdrɒpaʊt/

Other forms: dropouts

A dropout is someone who doesn't finish a project or program, especially school. If you quit high school before you graduate, some people will call you a dropout.

Whenever you quit something, or don't follow through on a commitment, you risk being called a dropout, which is a fairly derogatory term for someone who withdraws, quits, or drops out. If you withdraw from college after one semester, you might jokingly describe yourself as a college dropout. The word dates from about 1930.

Definitions of dropout

1. noun

   someone who quits school before graduation
   type of:

   quitter

   a person who gives up too easily
2. noun

   someone who withdraws from a social group or environment
   type of:

   individualist

   a person who pursues independent thought or action