phase out
Definition
- Verb:
- To terminate gradually; to discontinue or withdraw something in planned stages over a period of time: The action of systematically and progressively ending the use, production, or existence of something.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- The government plans to phase out the use of coal-fired power plants over the next decade.
- The old software version will be phased out as users transition to the new system.
- Manufacturers are phasing out single-use plastics in their packaging.
Advanced Usage
- "to be phased out" (passive voice): Describes something that is in the process of being gradually terminated.
- The model is being phased out and will no longer be available next year.
- "phasing out of [something]": The noun form describing the process itself.
- The phasing out of leaded gasoline was a major public health achievement.
Variants and Related Words
- Phase-out (noun): The act or process of phasing something out.
- The phase-out of the tax incentive will begin in January.
- Phased (adjective, in combination): Describes something that has been implemented or removed in stages.
- The phased introduction of the new policy avoided overwhelming the system.
Synonyms
- Gradually eliminate: To remove something step-by-step.
- Wind down: To bring something to an end gradually.
- Discontinue: To stop doing or providing something.
Related Phrasal Verbs
(Note: 'Phase out' is itself a phrasal verb. Other phrasal verbs describe similar concepts of gradual change or termination.) - Wind up: To bring something to a conclusion (can be gradual or final). - The company will wind up its operations in the region. - Taper off: To reduce something gradually. - Funding for the project will taper off over the next two years.
Related Idioms
- On the way out: Becoming less common or popular; being replaced.
- Floppy disks are definitely on the way out.
- Go the way of the dodo: To become obsolete or extinct.
- Many traditional crafts have gone the way of the dodo.
Verb
-
terminate gradually
