phaseout

1 of 2

noun

phase·​out ˈfāz-ˌau̇t 

: a gradual stopping (as in operations or production) : a closing down by phases

phase out

2 of 2

verb

phased out; phasing out; phases out

transitive verb

: to discontinue the practice, production, or use of by phases

intransitive verb

: to stop production or operation by phases

Examples of phaseout in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The contribution limit phases out, or gets smaller, as MAGI rises, with a complete phaseout at $165,000 for single filers and $246,000 for married couples filing together. —Kate Dore, Cfp®, Ea, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2026

Income phaseouts can reduce or eliminate new deductions for seniors, overtime, tips and car loan interest on 2025 federal tax returns. —Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 2 Apr. 2026

Verb

Stash a backup pair in your bag While the shoes-off policy has been largely phased out at most airports, there’s still the possibility that you’ll be asked to take your shoes off. —Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 18 Apr. 2026

That hole in global energy supply has sent countries scrambling for alternatives for their fuel and electricity needs, including for coal, potentially marking a resurgence for the dirtiest fossil fuel that was quickly being phased out around the world. —Tristan Bove, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1951, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1940, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for phaseout

• roundabout
• runabout
• sauerkraut
• thereabout
• turnabout
• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout

Kids Definition

phase out

verb

: to discontinue doing, producing, or using

phasing out old machinery