Drop out Definition 1 of 5Pro Tip 1/3Voluntary Act Leaving a course or education is usually a personal choice, rather than being asked to leave. She decided to drop out and start her own business. Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation 'Drop out' can imply failure to complete something and may carry a stigma. He didn't want to be labeled as a college dropout. Pro Tip 3/3Not Just School Can also refer to leaving any structured program or agreed path early. She dropped out of the training program after two weeks.