What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
truant
Example
The school contacted the parents because their child was a truant. [truant: noun]
Example
He was truant from work again, and his boss was not happy. [truant: adjective]
dropout
Example
She became a dropout after failing her exams. [dropout: noun]
Example
He dropped out of the race after realizing he couldn't win. [dropout: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dropout is more commonly used than truant in everyday language. Dropout is a well-known term that is often discussed in the context of education and career prospects, while truant is less common and more specific to school attendance.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between truant and dropout?
Both truant and dropout are informal terms that are typically used in casual conversation. However, dropout may be used in more formal contexts, such as academic or professional settings, to discuss educational attainment and career prospects.
