Drop out
Meaning: To leave college before completing a degree.
Dropping out of college was traditionally seen as failure, but Silicon Valley changed the narrative. Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and Mark Zuckerberg are famous dropouts, creating the myth that dropping out leads to billionaire success. In reality, most dropouts face economic disadvantages. 'I dropped out' carries both stigma and, in certain circles, a rebellious coolness. 'College dropout' can be a point of shame or pride depending on context and outcome.
Examples
- He dropped out after sophomore year to start his company. 他大二之后退学去创业了。Dejó la universidad después del segundo año para montar su empresa.彼は2年生の後に中退して会社を立ち上げた。그는 2학년 후에 자퇴하고 회사를 차렸어.
- She almost dropped out but her advisor convinced her to finish. 她差点退学,但导师说服她坚持读完了。Ella casi dejó la universidad, pero su tutor la convenció para terminar.彼女は中退しそうになったけど、アドバイザーに説得されて卒業した。그녀는 자퇴할 뻔했지만 지도교수가 설득해서 졸업했어.
- I'm thinking about dropping out — I hate my major and I'm drowning in debt. 我在考虑退学——我讨厌我的专业,而且负债累累。Estoy pensando en dejar la carrera — odio mi especialidad y me estoy ahogando en deudas.中退しようか考えてる——専攻が嫌いだし、借金に溺れそうだ。자퇴를 생각하고 있어——전공이 싫고 빚에 허덕이고 있거든.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: education, career, life choices
Tone: serious, sometimes defiant
✓ Do Say
- He dropped out to pursue his passion.他退学去追求自己的热爱了。Dejó la universidad para perseguir su pasión.彼は情熱を追求するために中退した。그는 자신의 열정을 위해 자퇴했어.
- Dropping out was the hardest decision I made.退学是我做过的最艰难的决定。Dejar la universidad fue la decisión más difícil que tomé.中退は人生で一番難しい決断だった。자퇴는 내가 내린 가장 어려운 결정이었어.
✗ Don't Say
- Do not romanticize dropping out — survivorship bias makes it look easier than it is.不要美化退学——幸存者偏差让退学看起来比实际容易得多。No romantices el abandono universitario — el sesgo de supervivencia hace que parezca más fácil de lo que es.中退を美化しないこと——生存者バイアスで実際より簡単に見えている。자퇴를 미화하지 말 것——생존자 편향이 실제보다 쉬워 보이게 만든다.
Origin & History
The term has been used since education became standardized. The cultural narrative around dropping out shifted with tech success stories in the 2000s.
Cultural Context
Era: 1900s–present
Generation: All generations
Social background: Universal
Regional notes: All regions
More From This Topic
More from College Life
Flashcards, quizzes, audio pronunciation & spaced repetition — all free