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

That means they are more likely to sit back in their cars and wait for higher fares for quick pick-up and drop-off.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

In March, dollar-denominated exports from China grew by a mere 2.5% from a year earlier—a sharp drop-off from the 22% jump witnessed in January and February.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

"It helps that she's seen her big brother attend school and been there at drop-off and pick-up - she wants to run in herself," she says.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 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

We’re in the line of buses for the school’s drop-off zone when she points.

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell

Related Words

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