drop-off

[ drop-awf, -of ]

noun

1. a vertical or very steep descent:

   The trail has a drop-off of several hundred feet.

2. a decline; decrease:

   Sales have shown a considerable drop-off this year.

3. a place where a person or thing can be left, received, accommodated, etc.:

   a new drop-off for outpatients.

adjective

1. applied when a rented vehicle is left elsewhere than at the point of hire:

   to pay a drop-off charge.

drop off

verb

1. intr to grow smaller or less; decline
2. tr to allow to alight; set down
3. informal.
   intr to fall asleep

noun

1. a steep or vertical descent
2. a sharp decrease

Word History and Origins

Origin of drop-off¹

First recorded in 1955–60; noun, adj. use of verb phrase drop off

Example Sentences

And the library caters to homebound patrons with a program linking them with neighbors who can pick up and drop off materials.

From Los Angeles Times

This is on top of the 122 centers already open across the county, where people can go to vote in person or drop off their ballot for the Nov. 5 election.

From Los Angeles Times

Impact hitters are available at each position, followed by a drop off in talent.

From Los Angeles Times

The school head warns that he’s already detecting a drop off in students starting at his schools, and prospective pupils are now heading towards a state sector where "there aren't any spaces."

From BBC

But is this a policy that will lead to a significant drop off in pupils attending private school?

From BBC

Related Words

• diminish
• dwindle
• fall away
• fall off
• lessen
• sag
• slacken