1 B2 neutral
Of land or terrain, to slope sharply downward.
"Beyond the treeline, the ground drops away suddenly into a steep ravine."
inseparable
drop away
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To become less in amount or strength, or to slope downward sharply.
In plain English
Get smaller, quieter, or weaker, or go steeply downward from a high point.
What does "drop away" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To decrease in size, amount, or intensity.
"Public support for the policy has dropped away since the scandal broke."
inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral
Of people, to gradually stop being involved in or attending something.
"The crowd had dropped away by the final set, leaving only the most dedicated fans."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To fall or move away from a position.
Actually means
Get smaller, quieter, or weaker, or go steeply downward from a high point.
Usage tip
Used to describe terrain that slopes steeply, or figuratively for support, sound, or interest that fades. Also describes people who gradually stop participating in something.
Words that pair with "drop away"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
cliff ground support interest numbers sound crowd
How to conjugate "drop away"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
drop away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
drops away
he/she/it
Past simple
droped away
yesterday
Past participle
droped away
have + pp
-ing form
droping away
continuous
Hear "drop away" in the wild
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Other ways to say "drop away"
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Keep exploring
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