Phrasal verb
bail out
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
bail out
Past
bailed out
Past participle
bailed out
Definition
phrasal verb. to help a person or organization that is in a difficult situation, usually by giving them money. You can also use it when you leave a plan or situation because it is becoming too difficult.
phrasal verb. to provide financial assistance to an entity facing insolvency or severe distress; also used to describe the act of rescuing someone from a predicament. The verb can also be used intransitively to mean withdrawing from a commitment or situation.
Examples
“The government decided to bail out the struggling airline.”
“When his small business faced bankruptcy, his family had to bail him out with their life savings.”
“Economists argued whether the central bank should bail out the commercial sector or risk a total systemic collapse of the national currency.”
Examples
simple
“The government decided to bail out the struggling airline.”
contextual
“When his small business faced bankruptcy, his family had to bail him out with their life savings.”
complex
“Economists argued whether the central bank should bail out the commercial sector or risk a total systemic collapse of the national currency.”
Usage
This is an optionally separable phrasal verb, meaning the object can sit between 'bail' and 'out' or after both.
Teaching tip
Explain the literal origin of bailing water out of a sinking boat to help students visualize the concept of a 'rescue'.
Pitfall
The company was in trouble, so the bank bailed out it.
The company was in trouble, so the bank bailed it out.
When the object is a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', it must be placed between the verb and the particle.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
optional
Pattern
bail + out + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
PHRASAL VERB
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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