1 B2 neutral
To exclude unsuitable candidates, applicants, or items following a formal evaluation or selection process.
"The initial interviews were designed to screen out candidates who lacked the required technical skills."
separable
screen out
B2 neutral separable transitive
To exclude people, items, or factors from a group or process through a formal evaluation.
In plain English
To check people or things carefully and remove the ones that do not meet the right requirements.
What does "screen out" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To block or prevent unwanted stimuli, noise, calls, or information from reaching someone.
"She put on headphones to screen out the noise from the open-plan office."
separable
3 C1 formal
In medicine, to test a population in order to identify and exclude those with a particular condition or risk factor from a group.
"Blood donors are screened out if they have recently travelled to certain high-risk regions."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To screen (test/evaluate) and eliminate something out (from the group).
Actually means
To check people or things carefully and remove the ones that do not meet the right requirements.
Usage tip
Common in HR, medical, academic, and security contexts. Also used figuratively (screen out distractions, screen out unwanted calls). A common and broadly useful verb phrase in professional English.
Words that pair with "screen out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
candidates applicants noise calls distractions risks
How to conjugate "screen out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
screen out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
screens out
he/she/it
Past simple
screened out
yesterday
Past participle
screened out
have + pp
-ing form
screening out
continuous
Hear "screen out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "screen out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "screen out"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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