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

Also worrisome for a state that produces 20% of the country’s milk is the steep drop-off in milk production farmers have reported among cows that recover from the flu.

From Los Angeles Times

However, Miss Hudson believes the company cannot justify penalising drivers like herself who pay for a full day's parking, because they are not using the car park as a drop-off point.

From BBC

In another case, a chart that was widely circulating online claimed to show a sharp drop-off in vote totals in 2024 compared to 2020.

From BBC

Organisers added there would be 50 buses for the park and ride and the drop-off area would be closer to the gates.

From BBC

Ballots may be personally delivered to any ballot drop-off box or polling place in the state.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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