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fizzle out

B2 informal intransitive
In simple words

To slowly stop and disappear, usually in a disappointing way — like fireworks that don't go off.

Literal meaning: A fizz is the sound of escaping gas or a weak spark — something fizzling out makes that weak, anticlimactic sound before stopping.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

To gradually end or fail in a weak and disappointing way, lacking the impact or success that was expected.

"Their romance fizzled out after only a few months."

"The movement seems to have fizzled out after its initial burst of energy."

— The New York Times, political commentary, common usage in print journalism
2 B2 neutral

For a fire, firework, or explosive to fail to ignite properly or to go out weakly.

"The firework fizzled out with a sad little pop instead of a bang."

Usage notes

Always intransitive. Carries a strong connotation of disappointment — things that 'fizzle out' had potential but didn't deliver. Very common in journalism and everyday speech to describe failed plans, relationships, or movements.

Commonly used with

relationship protest campaign enthusiasm career plan

Forms

Base
fizzle out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
fizzles out
he/she/it
Past simple
fizzled out
yesterday
Past participle
fizzled out
have + pp
-ing form
fizzling out
continuous

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Synonyms

peter out die out tail off come to nothing fade away fall flat

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