drop-off

UK: ˈdrɒpɒf | US: ˈdrɑːpɔːf

Definition

  1. n. a steep or sudden downward slope

  2. n. a decline in quantity, quality, or intensity

  3. n. a place where something or someone is left or unloaded

Structure
drop <to fall>off <away from>
Etymology

The word "drop-off" combines "drop," derived from Old English "droppian" (to fall in droplets), and "off," from Old English "of" (away, down). The compound emerged in the 19th century, originally describing physical descents (e.g., cliffs) and later abstract declines (e.g., business activity). The logic reflects a literal "falling away" motion, extended metaphorically to reductions or delivery points.

Examples

  1. The trail has a sharp drop-off near the summit.

  2. There was a noticeable drop-off in sales after the holiday season.

  3. The taxi reached the drop-off zone outside the airport.

  4. Be cautious of the sudden drop-off along the riverbank.

  5. The team’s performance showed a drop-off in the second half.