dropout
UK: ˈdrɒpaʊt | US: ˈdrɑːpaʊt
n. a person who leaves school or a course of study before completion.
n. a temporary withdrawal from conventional society, often to pursue alternative lifestyles.
n. (electronics) a brief loss of signal or power.
The word "dropout" emerged in the early 20th century, combining "drop" (from Old English "dropa," meaning to fall or let fall) and "out" (from Old English "ūt," meaning external or beyond). Originally literal (e.g., "drop out of a race"), it gained societal connotations in the 1960s, describing those rejecting mainstream norms or education. The morphemes reflect a clear action ("drop") and direction ("out"), making the term intuitive for describing voluntary or forced exits.
He became a college dropout after struggling with academic pressure.
The documentary explores the lives of 1960s counterculture dropouts.
The radio signal experienced a dropout during the storm.
She regretted her decision to be a high school dropout.
The program helps dropouts re-enter the education system.