ruːl aʊt
neutral
intermediate
- Base verb:
- rule
- Particle:
- out
- Separable:
- Yes
What does "rule out" mean?
To eliminate something as a possibility
Examples
- The doctor ruled out any serious illness.
- We cannot rule out the possibility of rain.
- Police have ruled out foul play.
- Do not rule out a career change.
How to use it
Widely used in medical, legal, and decision-making contexts.
Word order
Can be separated: 'rule it out' or 'rule out the option'.
Similar expressions
exclude
eliminate
dismiss
Opposites
include
consider
Related phrasal verbs
- get out
To leave a place, room, or vehicle
- turn out
To have a particular result or end in a certain way
- go out
To leave your home for social activities or entertainment
- give out
To distribute something to multiple people
- bring out
To produce and release a new product, book, or album
- come out
To become known or revealed
Use it in a practice answer
Try "rule out" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.