The drop-out rate refers to the percentage of students who leave school or a specific educational program before completing it. This can occur for various reasons, such as academic struggles, personal issues, or lack of interest. A high drop-out rate can be a cause for concern as it indicates a failure to retain students and provide them with the necessary support to succeed. It is often used as a measure of the effectiveness of an educational institution or program in keeping students engaged and motivated to complete their studies.