phase out

phase out

To gradually eliminate or remove someone or something from some condition, function, or situation. A noun or pronoun can be used between "phase" and "out." Of course I'm worried—the corporate office is phasing out all of the jobs in our department! When was the two-dollar bill phased out of circulation? Let's start giving Sarah more of Bill's responsibilities so that we can start phasing him out.

See also: out, phase

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

phase out

v.

To take something or someone out of service gradually or in stages: The company phased out the old model of vacuum cleaner, and it's hard to find any in the stores now. We will gradually phase the old schedule out to create a more efficient one.

See also: out, phase

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.