drawdown

American  

[draw-doun] / ˈdrɔˌdaʊn /

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.

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drawdown British  

/ 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

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drawdown Scientific  

/ 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.

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Etymology

Origin of drawdown

First recorded in 1780–90; draw + down ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

drawdown

North Korea has historically sought a drawdown of U.S. forces stationed in South Korea, a removal of American nuclear weapons from the region and a normalization of diplomatic ties with Washington.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 20, 2026

Shipping disruption remains a concern for crude oil and product supply, with the drawdown in the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 18, 2026

The closure — slated for June — is the latest in a years-long drawdown of on-campus child care at universities and other institutions that have traditionally offered it as an employee benefit.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 17, 2026

Data compiled by Truist showed that large IPOs experienced an average maximum drawdown of 55% during their first year as public companies.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 3, 2026

By the end of 2011, the last American soldiers had left Iraq; a gradual drawdown of troops was under way in Afghanistan.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama