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

Ralph Lauren credited the longer-term reduction primarily to completing its coal phaseout program at in-scope strategic Tier 1 and Tier 2 factories. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 15 Sep. 2026

Spain’s nuclear capacity has hovered at around 20 percent of the national electricity mix since a 2019 phaseout agreement. — IEEE Spectrum, 29 Aug. 2026

Verb

California has phased out coal and has its own regulations on natural gas plants but remains vulnerable. — Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Both these changes came after the Food and Drug Administration announced plans to phase out certain synthetic food dyes. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 10 Sep. 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