First recorded in 1925–30; noun use of verb phrase level off
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
China has pledged to level-off carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2060.
From Seattle Times ● Jul. 16, 2023
Critics say that despite the administration's rhetorical stress on targeting those with criminal records and a level-off in illegal immigration, programs such as Secure Communities are in practice leading to unjust deportations.
From Reuters ● Sep. 20, 2011
The benefits of total activity appeared to level off after about 20 weekly MET hours, suggesting there may be a point beyond which additional activity provides less added benefit.
From Science Daily ● Apr. 27, 2026
As prices and features level off, depreciation likely won’t be as dramatic in the future, says Keating.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 13, 2026
He brought us up another level, off the pitch as well as on it, because he is such a big character and the players bounced off him so well.
From BBC ● Feb. 2, 2026
Though auto-insurance prices are projected to level off in 2026, lower insurance-company profits may push more costs onto consumers.
From MarketWatch ● Dec. 23, 2025
After what seemed like one thousand and one nights of challenge the mountain began to level off and we started passing scattered lights on either side of the road.
From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
