"drop-out" vs "drop out"

Question

"drop-out" vs "drop out"

Both "drop-out" and "drop out" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Drop-out" is used as a compound noun to refer to a person who has left school or college before finishing their studies. On the other hand, "drop out" is a phrasal verb meaning to leave something, especially school or college, without finishing it.

Last Updated: April 01, 2024

The term "drop-out" is used to describe individuals who have discontinued their education before completion.

Examples:

The school has a high rate of drop-outs.
He is a college drop-out.

Alternatives:

school drop-out
college drop-out
university drop-out

The term "drop out" is used to indicate the action of leaving school or college before completing the studies.

Examples:

She decided to drop out of college.
Many students drop out due to financial reasons.

Alternatives:

quit school
leave college
abandon studies

Answer 1

drop-out

This is correct when used as a compound noun to refer to a person who has left school or college before finishing their studies.

Answer 2

drop out

This is correct when used as a phrasal verb to mean leaving something, especially school or college, without finishing it.

"drop-out" vs "drop out"

drop-out

drop out

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