Phrasal verb
grey out
Definition
phrasal verb. to make a button or option on a screen look light grey so you cannot click it.
phrasal verb. to render a user interface element inactive or unavailable, visually indicated by a desaturated or grey appearance; typically used in software contexts.
Examples
“The 'Submit' button is greyed out because I didn't finish the form.”
“If you haven't selected a file yet, the 'Delete' option will be greyed out in the menu.”
“The system automatically greys out any restricted administrative functions when a standard user logs into the terminal.”
Examples
simple
“The 'Submit' button is greyed out because I didn't finish the form.”
contextual
“If you haven't selected a file yet, the 'Delete' option will be greyed out in the menu.”
complex
“The system automatically greys out any restricted administrative functions when a standard user logs into the terminal.”
Usage
usually used in the passive voice or as a past participle adjective.
Teaching tip
this is a highly specific technical phrasal verb; contrast it with 'disable' to show how 'grey out' describes the visual state rather than just the function.
Pitfall
The button is grey out.
The button is greyed out.
when describing the state of the button, you must use the past participle 'greyed'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
optional
Pattern
grey + object + out
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/grey-out