drawdown

[ draw-doun ]

noun

1. a lowering of water surface level, as in a well:

   Drawdowns of up to 90 feet have been recorded in many municipal wells in the area.

2. a reduction or depletion:

   The president announced a drawdown and eventual departure of troops from the region.

   The unprecedented drawdown of natural resources poses enormous challenges worldwide.

3. Stock Exchange. a drop in the value of a stock from its peak to its lowest level over a certain period, usually expressed as a percentage of the peak value.
4. British. the withdrawal of part of an investment, such as a pension or retirement fund, for use as income.

drawdown

/ ˈdrɔːˌdaʊn /

noun

1. a depletion or reduction, for example of supplies
2. a continuous decline in an investment or fund, usually expressed as a percentage between its highest and lowest levels
3. the intentional draining of a body of water such as a lake or reservoir, to a given depth

drawdown

/ drô′doun′ /

1. A lowering of the water level in a reservoir or other body of water, especially as the result of withdrawal.
2. The difference in elevation between the level of water in a well and the level of groundwater in the area in which the well is located.

Word History and Origins

Origin of drawdown¹

First recorded in 1780–90; draw + down ¹

Example Sentences

Estimates suggest up to 900,000 acres of farmland in the San Joaquin Valley alone might need to be fallowed to reduce the drawdown of groundwater and balance supply and demand.

From Los Angeles Times

If you’re reluctant to tap the HSA, give yourself the option of “deathbed drawdown.”

From Los Angeles Times

The weapons package will be approved through presidential drawdown authority and will pull from existing Pentagon supplies to deliver the arms more quickly.

From BBC

The fact that researchers have found that a majority of methane emissions stem from human activities is "a blessing and a curse," said James Gerber, a senior scientist focused on agriculture and land use at Project Drawdown, a climate solutions nonprofit.

From Salon

Though companies including Sweetgreen should be applauded for their efforts, “We all know that the offsets schemes over the last few years have been really problematic, to say the least,” said Jonathan Foley, executive director of climate nonprofit Project Drawdown.

From Seattle Times