Phase out Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Time Span Phasing out something can take several years and isn't usually done abruptly. The use of plastic bags will be phased out over the next decade. Pro Tip 2/3Policy Changes Used to describe official plans by governments or organizations to end something. The education department is phasing out old textbooks. Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation Often used for things considered outdated or harmful. They're phasing out the inefficient machinery.