level off

stop rising or falling and stay at the same level

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What does "level off" mean?

Something that levels off stops rising or falling and remains at a consistent, steady value. This typically describes measurable quantities — figures, rates, or statistics — that have been changing over time and then reach a point of stability. The verb captures the process of stabilisation itself, not just the stable state that follows. It is commonly used in business, economic, scientific, and news contexts, though it fits equally well in everyday conversation when talking about trends. Occasionally, it is also used literally to describe an aircraft stopping its climb or descent and flying horizontally, though the statistical sense is far more prevalent.

Examples

How to use it

subject (statistic/trend) + level off

The most common structure — a measurable quantity is the subject and performs the action on its own, with no object.

After months of steep rises, consumer prices have finally levelled off.

level off + at + figure/percentage

Use this pattern to specify the value at which something stabilises — this is extremely natural and makes the sentence more precise.

Unemployment is expected to level off at around 4.5% by the end of the year.

adverb + level off

Adverbs such as 'finally', 'eventually', 'gradually', or 'slightly' are frequently placed directly before 'level off' to give nuance about how or when stabilisation occurs.

Growth in the sector has gradually levelled off after a period of rapid expansion.

begin / seem / expect + to level off

Use these verbs before 'level off' to describe a trend that is starting to stabilise, appears to be stabilising, or is predicted to stabilise.

Analysts say demand for the product is beginning to level off as the market becomes saturated.

Common Collocations

inflationpricesgrowthsalesunemploymentinterest rates

Common Mistakes

Trying to use it transitively

'Level off' is intransitive, meaning the subject — the statistic or trend — performs the action itself. You cannot place an object after it or say you 'levelled something off' with this meaning.

✗ The central bank levelled off the interest rates.
✓ Interest rates levelled off after the central bank's intervention.
Confusing 'level off' with 'taper off'

'Taper off' implies a gradual decline toward zero or near-zero — something is fading away or dwindling. 'Level off' means stabilising at a consistent value, not necessarily a low one.

✗ Sales tapered off at around 2,000 units per month and stayed there.
✓ Sales levelled off at around 2,000 units per month and stayed there.
Spelling variation (British vs. American English)

In British English the past tense is 'levelled off'; in American English it is 'leveled off'. Both are correct — just be consistent with whichever variety you are writing in.

Usage

This phrasal verb is neutral in register and works equally well in formal reports and everyday conversation. It is especially common in economic and financial contexts. In British English, the past tense is 'levelled off'; in American English, 'leveled off'.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use 'level off' in the passive, like 'Prices were levelled off'?

No — 'level off' is an intransitive verb, so it cannot be used in the passive voice. There is no object to become the passive subject. The trend or statistic is always the active subject: 'Prices levelled off', not 'Prices were levelled off'.

What kinds of subjects can 'level off' take?

The subject is almost always a measurable quantity or trend — things like inflation, prices, growth, sales figures, unemployment, temperature, population, or interest rates. It's less natural to use 'level off' with abstract or non-quantifiable subjects, such as emotions or social phenomena.

Is 'level off' the same as 'level out'?

'Level out' is largely synonymous and the two can often be swapped. However, 'level off' is the more established choice in economic and statistical contexts, whereas 'level out' is also used to describe physical surfaces becoming flat or turbulence on a plane smoothing out. In a financial report, 'level off' is the safer, more idiomatic choice.

Does 'level off' have any other meanings I should know about?

Yes — it is also used literally in aviation to describe an aircraft stopping its climb or descent and flying horizontally at a fixed altitude, for example 'The pilot levelled off at 35,000 feet.' This sense is less common in everyday language, but worth recognising if you encounter it.

Can I use 'level off' to talk about something that has been falling, not just rising?

Absolutely. 'Level off' describes stabilisation in either direction — whether something has been rising or falling, once it stops changing and holds steady, you can say it has levelled off. For example, 'After months of decline, the company's share price has finally levelled off.'

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