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

Tesla on Friday reported a second straight annual drop in electric vehicle sales, as the phaseout of a $7,500 federal EV tax credit and mounting competition weighed on demand. —Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 2 Jan. 2026

Meaning, as of now, there are no statewide regulations in place to prevent large-scale dumping of plastic bags already in storage once the phaseout begins. —Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 23 Dec. 2025

Verb

High-Gloss Finishes Glossy countertops—particularly in dark colors—are quickly being phased out for both aesthetic and practical reasons. —Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 7 Jan. 2026

The plan, recently approved by the PUC, includes phasing out all the company’s coal plants and providing compensation for communities that have been home to coal plants and mines for decades. —Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 7 Jan. 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