DROP-OFF

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does drop-off mean? 

• DROP-OFF (noun)
  The noun DROP-OFF has 3 senses:

1. a noticeable deterioration in performance or quality

2. a steep high face of rock

3. a change downward

  Familiarity information: DROP-OFF used as a noun is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• DROP-OFF (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A noticeable deterioration in performance or quality

Classified under:

Nouns denoting natural processes

Synonyms:

drop-off; falling off; falloff; slack; slump

Context example:

a falloff in quality

Hypernyms ("drop-off" is a kind of...):

declension; decline in quality; deterioration; worsening (process of changing to an inferior state)

Derivation:

drop off (get worse)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A steep high face of rock

Classified under:

Nouns denoting natural objects (not man-made)

Synonyms:

cliff; drop; drop-off

Context example:

a steep drop

Hypernyms ("drop-off" is a kind of...):

formation; geological formation ((geology) the geological features of the earth)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "drop-off"):

crag (a steep rugged rock or cliff)

precipice (a very steep cliff)

Sense 3

Meaning:

A change downward

Classified under:

Nouns denoting natural events

Synonyms:

decrease; drop-off; lessening

Context example:

there was a sharp drop-off in sales

Hypernyms ("drop-off" is a kind of...):

alteration; change; modification (an event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "drop-off"):

shrinkage; shrinking (process or result of becoming less or smaller)

casualty (a decrease of military personnel or equipment)

sinking (a slow fall or decline (as for lack of strength))

attrition (a wearing down to weaken or destroy)

dwindling; dwindling away (a becoming gradually less)

waning (a gradual decrease in magnitude or extent)

Derivation:

drop off (fall or diminish)

 Context examples 

Results showed the sharks' frequented sites had areas of very shallow water near a steep drop-off into the depths, such as a shelf break or reef slope.

(New study of endangered whale shark youth shows vital habitat similarities, Wikinews)