# grey out

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/grey-out
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to make a button or option on a screen look light grey so you cannot click it.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The button is grey out." but "The button is greyed out." — when describing the state of the button, you must use the past participle 'greyed'.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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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.