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

But a US State Department official has confirmed that a "phased drawdown" of Pepfar funding would now start.

From BBC • Jun. 19, 2026

The drawdown in global stockpiles has helped cap oil price gains despite months of severe supply disruptions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 17, 2026

The scale of the drawdown was largely symbolic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 15, 2026

FedEx Freight is likely avoiding the drawdown because shares are very new.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

Nixon promised he would begin a drawdown of American troops.

From "Boots on the Ground: America's War in Vietnam" by Elizabeth Partridge