rule out
Meaning(s)
1. dismiss from consideration or make something impossible
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
rule someone out, rule out a possibility/of contention
Analysis
To 'rule out' something or someone means to dismiss from consideration or from being a contender. When something is 'ruled out' it is forbidden, excluded, eliminated or is no longer an option. This is a phrasal verb you can use in both social and professional contexts.
Social Examples (Basic)
- Claire was ruled out of the match today with a knee injury. She is expected to be out for a total of 3 weeks.
- I'm pretty settled in New York so I doubt I will ever return to Ireland, but who knows what will happen in the future? You can never rule anything out.
Professional Examples (Advance)
- Now that Peter has fallen out with the boss, I think we can safely rule him out of contention for the vacant managerial position.
- If losses continue to grow at the current rate, then we cannot rule out the possibility of having to cut jobs or even close down the business entirely.