# die out

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/die-out
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to disappear completely over time until nothing is left. You use this when talking about animals, languages, or old customs that no longer exist.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "Pollution is dying out the local fish." but "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.

## Usage notes

- 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'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.