Phrasal verb
die out
Definition
phrasal verb. to disappear completely over time until nothing is left. You use this when talking about animals, languages, or old customs that no longer exist.
phrasal verb. to become extinct or cease to exist gradually. The verb is intransitive and typically describes the terminal decline of a species, custom, or linguistic variety.
Examples
“Many rare plants are starting to die out because of the heat.”
“As younger generations move to the cities, many traditional village crafts are beginning to die out.”
“Scientists warn that if global temperatures continue to rise at this rate, several unique alpine species will inevitably die out within the next century.”
Examples
simple
“Many rare plants are starting to die out because of the heat.”
contextual
“As younger generations move to the cities, many traditional village crafts are beginning to die out.”
complex
“Scientists warn that if global temperatures continue to rise at this rate, several unique alpine species will inevitably die out within the next century.”
Usage
This phrase is intransitive and does not take a direct object.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'die off', which suggests members of a group dying one by one, or the more formal 'become extinct'.
Pitfall
Pollution is dying out the local fish.
The local fish are dying out because of pollution.
'Die out' is intransitive and cannot take a direct object; the thing that disappears must be the subject.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
die + out
Synonyms
Antonyms
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
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/die-out