Phrasal verb
burn out
Meanings
to become extremely tired and unable to continue because of long-term stress or overwork
to stop working because a part (especially a light bulb or motor) has overheated or worn out
Definition
To burn out means to become so tired and stressed from work or pressure that you can’t continue effectively.
If you burn out, you reach a point of extreme mental and physical exhaustion, often after working too hard for too long. People who burn out may lose motivation, feel overwhelmed, and struggle to perform well. The phrase can also describe a light or device that stops working because it has been used too much or has overheated.
Examples
- I burned out after months of late-night deadlines.
- She burned out at her new job and decided to take a long break.
- They burned out from training every day without rest.
- My desk lamp burned out, so I replaced the bulb.
- He burned out the old blender by running it too long.
Common mistake
Learners often use "burn out" for a single tired day, but it usually refers to long-term exhaustion from ongoing stress or overwork.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.