phaseout

1 of 2

noun

phase·​out ˈfāz-ˌau̇t How to pronounce phaseout (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
In 2025 climate discourse will recenter on the message that halting global heating requires the phaseout of coal, oil, and gas. Genevieve Guenther, WIRED, 26 Nov. 2024 The phaseout was intended to be the point at which alternatives to the combustion engine had reached commercial viability. Marie Sapirie, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024
Verb
Lead was not phased out of gasoline until 1996 in the U.S. and 2020 globally. Theara Coleman, theweek, 11 Dec. 2024 In response, the Environmental Protection Agency phased out leaded gasoline by 1986, a policy credited with reducing lead levels in children by over 90%. Robert Pearl, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for phaseout 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1951, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1940, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of phaseout was in 1940

Dictionary Entries Near phaseout

Cite this Entry

“Phaseout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phaseout. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

phase out

verb
: to discontinue doing, producing, or using
phasing out old machinery

More from Merriam-Webster on phaseout

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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