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

Over the next several months, executives at Thinking Machines witnessed a drop-off in Zoph’s job performance, according to people familiar with the situation.

From The Wall Street Journal

For a list of the drop-off points across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and Dorset, visit the BBC Radio Solent Make a Difference page here.

From BBC

If you can’t manage to take prescription drugs to a drop-off site or a charity—typically the best options—the FDA offers some information about the safest choices for disposing of the rest.

From The Wall Street Journal

The former Everton and Burnley boss started well, but the drop-off in organisation, focus and form - especially of late - has been drastic.

From BBC

Andrew's prediction: I thought there would be a drop-off from Sunderland when they lost so many players to the Africa Cup of Nations, but that hasn't happened - they put in a great performance against City.

From BBC

Related Words

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