also dropout
(~s)
1.
If you describe someone as a ~, you disapprove of the fact that they have rejected the accepted ways of society, for example by not having a regular job.
N-COUNT disapproval
2.
A ~ is someone who has left school or college before they have finished their studies.
...high-school ~s.
N-COUNT
3.
If you refer to the ~ rate, you are referring to the number of people who leave a school or college early, or leave a course or other activity before they have finished it.
The ~ rate among students is currently one in three.
ADJ: ADJ n