1 B1 idiomatic neutral
To become completely exhausted mentally and physically, especially from overwork.
"After three years of twelve-hour days, she finally burned out and took a leave of absence."
inseparable
burn out
B1 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To stop working due to exhaustion or overuse; to become mentally or physically exhausted; or to stop burning due to lack of fuel.
In plain English
To get so tired from working too hard that you can't carry on, or for something to stop working.
What does "burn out" mean?
4 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
(Of a fire or flame) to stop burning because the fuel has been used up.
"The campfire burned out around midnight, leaving everyone in darkness."
inseparable
3 B1 neutral
(Of a machine, engine, or electrical component) to stop functioning due to excessive heat or overuse.
"The motor burned out after running continuously for 48 hours without a break."
separable
4 B2 neutral
To destroy the inside of a building by fire, leaving only the shell.
"The arsonists burned out three cars in the car park overnight."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To burn until the fire extinguishes itself by running out of fuel.
Actually means
To get so tired from working too hard that you can't carry on, or for something to stop working.
Usage tip
The psychological sense (suffering burnout from work stress) is extremely common and recognised as a medical phenomenon. The mechanical sense (a motor burning out) is also very common. 'Burnout' (noun) is widely used in health, education, and workplace contexts.
Words that pair with "burn out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
motor fuse doctor teacher candle star
How to conjugate "burn out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
burn out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
burns out
he/she/it
Past simple
burned out
yesterday
Past participle
burned out
have + pp
-ing form
burning out
continuous
Hear "burn out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "burn out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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