level-off

[lev-uhl-awf, -of]

noun

Aeronautics.

1. the maneuver of bringing an aircraft into a horizontal flying position after an ascent or descent.

Word History and Origins

Origin of level off¹

First recorded in 1925–30; noun use of verb phrase level off

Idioms and Phrases

Move toward stability or consistency, as in Prices have leveled off. This idiom transfers a physical flattening to a figurative one. [Mid-1900s]

Related Words

• abate 
• descend 
• diminish 
• dwindle 
• ease 
• ease off 
• ebb 
• melt 
• peter out 
• recede 
• slacken 
• wane