out of phase

Idioms  

1. Also, out of sync. In an unsynchronized or uncorrelated way. For example, Inventory control and shipping are out of phase, so we can't rely on their figures, or The lights are out of sync and keep flashing at random. For dates, see the antonym in phase.

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Example Sentences

Homeowners can also opt out of Phase 2 removal and independently manage cleanup.

From Los Angeles Times

"Two waves can either add up if they are exactly in phase or they can cancel each other if they are exactly out of phase. That's kind of what's happening here though we're talking about faint sounds that would barely be audible to a human."

From Science Daily

The study also implies that eastern Tibet was elevated prior to approximately 15 million years ago and the timing of fluvial incision may be out of phase with the growth of plateau topography.

From Science Daily

If, however, the waves of light are out of phase and overlap while misaligned, a peak may meet a trough in the wave, and both are canceled out, a process known as destructive interference.

From Scientific American

With drawings of the performers by Mr. Rosenbaum and photos of them by Ms. Newmark Rosenbaum, it depicts a place and a culture that seems beguilingly out of phase with modern life.

From New York Times