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level off

B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words

When something that was going up or down stops changing and stays the same.

Literal meaning: To become flat or horizontal after a slope — like a road levelling off after a hill.

Meanings

1 B2 neutral

(Of a trend, number, or rate) to stop increasing or decreasing and remain stable.

"After months of rapid growth, the company's profits finally levelled off in the third quarter."

"Inflation has levelled off, but prices remain high."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 neutral

(Of an aircraft) to fly horizontally after a period of climbing or descending.

"The pilot levelled off at 35,000 feet before switching on the autopilot."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 neutral

(Of a surface) to become flat or even.

"Use a spirit level to make sure the shelf levels off properly before you fix it to the wall."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Very common in data, economics, and aviation contexts. Frequently used in journalism and reports about statistics, prices, or growth. Also used for aircraft achieving horizontal flight after climbing or descending.

Commonly used with

prices growth temperature speed demand inflation

Forms

Base
level off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
levels off
he/she/it
Past simple
leveled off
yesterday
Past participle
leveled off
have + pp
-ing form
leveling off
continuous

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