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

Meeting this lowest-possible overshoot scenario would require a tripling of renewable electricity capacity by 2035, and dramatic cuts to fossil fuels, including the phaseout of coal by 2040, the report states. — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026

The groups are calling for potential polluters to notify treatment facilities about PFAS in their discharges, a phaseout of PFAS use, and restrictions on industrial discharges into rivers and sewage treatment plants. — Rashad Williams, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

Verb

According to Wood Mackenzie’s Pierce, the combination of tariffs increasing costs and key tax credits being phased out has had an impact. — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 10 Nov. 2026

In a debate covered by Fortune, two economists who disagreed on whether to phase out Social Security still agreed that wealthy Americans would have to pay more. — Lena Borrelli, Fortune, 8 Nov. 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