1 B2 formal
To reduce the scale or amount of an activity, industry, or process in a planned, gradual way.
"The government agreed to phase down coal power generation by 40% over the next decade."
separable
phase down
B2 formal separable transitive
To gradually reduce the scale, intensity, or amount of something over a planned period.
In plain English
To slowly use less or do less of something over a period of time.
What does "phase down" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 formal
To gradually reduce financial support, subsidies, or investment over time.
"The agency plans to phase down its emergency funding as conditions stabilise."
separable
Usage tip
Commonly used in policy, environmental, and business contexts, especially regarding energy production, emissions, or industrial activity. Less common than 'phase out' and implies reduction rather than complete elimination. Frequently appears in climate and energy policy discussions.
Words that pair with "phase down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
coal subsidies production emissions operations capacity
How to conjugate "phase down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
phase down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
phases down
he/she/it
Past simple
phased down
yesterday
Past participle
phased down
have + pp
-ing form
phasing down
continuous
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Other ways to say "phase down"
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