phase out — gradually stop using
phrasal verbB2IELTS 6+neutraloccasional
To slowly stop using or producing something over a period of time, rather than all at once.
Say it like a native
Textbook The factory will incrementally discontinue the use of these machines.
Native They're phasing out the old machines.
'Incrementally discontinue the use of' is jargon; 'phase out' is plain.
Pattern: phase out [object]
In use
- The company plans to phase out single-use plastics by next year.work
- Many countries are trying to phase out coal power in order to reduce pollution.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ They will phase out of the old system.
✓ They will phase out the old system.
'Phase out' takes the thing directly — no 'of'.
Common collocations
phase out— phase out, gradually, phase out plastic, be phased out
Don't confuse it
Compare with 'cut out', which often means to stop something immediately.