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]

Example Sentences

China has pledged to level-off carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2060.

Read more on Seattle Times

And while global outrage over the slaughter of sharks for soup may have helped to level-off demand, no such outcry has been raised on behalf of the humble sea cucumber.

Read more on National Geographic

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.

Read more on Reuters

Related Words

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