# phased

/ˈfeɪzd/ (US) · /fˈeɪzd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/phased
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

happening in stages or steps rather than all at once. You use this to describe a change that is planned to be slow and careful.

For teachers: carried out in a series of planned stages or intervals. Often used to describe the implementation of new policies or the withdrawal of services.

## Examples

- The company started a phased return to the office.
- The government announced a phased reopening of schools, starting with the youngest students first.
- A phased approach to the software rollout allowed the technical team to identify and resolve bugs before the system reached the entire user base.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun; often paired with 'approach', 'rollout', or 'withdrawal'.

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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.