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max out

B1 informal separable both
In simple words

Use all of something until there is nothing left, or push yourself or something as hard as it can go.

Literal meaning: To go to the maximum and then 'out' — reaching the end point of a scale.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic informal

To spend up to or beyond the credit limit of a credit card or financial account.

"She maxed out her credit card buying new furniture for the apartment."

"Millions of Americans have maxed out their credit cards just trying to pay for groceries."

— General financial news reporting, widely cited in outlets like CNN Money and USA Today
Grammar: separable
2 B1 idiomatic informal

To reach or use the maximum capacity or capability of a system, machine, or person.

"The network maxed out during the live stream and thousands of viewers were cut off."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 idiomatic informal

To push oneself to the absolute limit of physical effort, especially in exercise.

"He maxed out on the bench press and had to stop for the day."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Very common in financial contexts ('max out a credit card'). Also used in fitness ('max out at the gym') and technology ('the server maxed out'). In finance, 'maxed out' is a common past participial adjective. American English in origin but widely used globally.

Commonly used with

credit card budget capacity gym limit resources

Forms

Base
max out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
maxes out
he/she/it
Past simple
maxed out
yesterday
Past participle
maxed out
have + pp
-ing form
maxing out
continuous

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Synonyms

reach the limit use up hit the ceiling top out exhaust overload

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