Wash Out vs. Washout
The spacing usually follows grammatical function. “Wash out” is a verb phrase with several washing/weather senses; “washout” is a closed noun with failure, rain-cancellation, and specialist senses.
Use “wash out” as the phrasal verb. Use “washout” as a noun, commonly for a complete failure or an event spoiled or stopped by heavy rain.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / context | Use | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| verb phrase | wash out | Use the two-word phrasal verb. |
| noun meaning a complete failure | washout | Use the closed noun. |
| noun for an event prevented or spoiled by heavy rain | washout | Use the closed noun in this established sense. |
Quick tests
Decision test
Is the expression functioning as a verb?
If yes: Use “wash out.”
If no: If it is the noun for a failure or rain-spoiled event, use “washout.”
Caveat: Do not assume that every sense of the phrasal verb has a matching closed noun; decide from the grammatical slot and intended noun sense.
Examples
The stain should wash out in cold water.
The expression is a phrasal verb.
The outdoor event was a washout after hours of rain.
The closed form is a noun.
The trial run was a complete washout.
“Washout” is the noun meaning a failure.
Further guidance
Core difference
Use the two-word phrasal verb.
Fast Test
Use “wash out.” If it is the noun for a failure or rain-spoiled event, use “washout.”
Usage Boundary
Do not assume that every sense of the phrasal verb has a matching closed noun; decide from the grammatical slot and intended noun sense.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- wash out (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Wash out is a phrasal verb for removing/disappearing through washing and for weather preventing an event.
- washout (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Washout is a noun for a complete failure or an event stopped/prevented by heavy rain, among other specialist senses.