drop-off

American  

[drop-awf, -of] / ˈdrɒpˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

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.

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adjective

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

   to pay a drop-off charge.

drop off British  

verb

1. (intr) to grow smaller or less; decline

2. (tr) to allow to alight; set down

3. informal (intr) to fall asleep

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noun

1. a steep or vertical descent

2. a sharp decrease

drop off Idioms  

1. Fall asleep, as in When I looked at Grandma, she had dropped off . [Early 1800s]

2. Decrease; also, become less frequent. For example, Sales have dropped off markedly , or Over the year her visits dropped off . [Early 1800s]

3. Deliver, unload, as in Bill dropped off the package at the office .

4. Die, as in He is so ill he could drop off any time . [Early 1800s]

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Etymology

Origin of drop-off

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

Example Sentences

The drop-off in domestic migration is now spreading to other parts of the state, according to an analysis of U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

The 2.25-mile electric train system is designed to help reduce airport congestion by connecting terminals, parking lots and passenger pickup and drop-off areas — ferrying riders over the airport’s notorious horseshoe loop.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

These days, St. Michael’s and other campuses face the so-called demographic cliff, a drop-off in the number of prospective students that is forecast to last years.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Looking at earnings estimates, Golub points to the fact that the oil futures market still reflects a drop-off in prices beyond 2026—and much slower earnings growth for energy companies next year.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

“Instead of letting me out in the usual spot,” I say as Grace pulls into the drop-off circle, “can you leave me over there by the batting cages?”

From "A High Five for Glenn Burke" by Phil Bildner

Related Words

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