1 C1 idiomatic informal
(Of a person, career, or enterprise) to fail suddenly and dramatically, often after early promise.
"The young actor flamed out after two hit films, unable to handle the pressure of fame."
flame out
C1 informal intransitive
To fail suddenly and dramatically, especially after a promising start; or for an aircraft engine to stop working.
In plain English
To fail suddenly and spectacularly after things seemed to be going well.
What does "flame out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 formal
(Aviation) For a jet engine to stop functioning due to combustion failure.
"The pilot declared an emergency after both engines flamed out over the ocean."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
A flame going out — but with the connotation of a dramatic extinction rather than a quiet one.
Actually means
To fail suddenly and spectacularly after things seemed to be going well.
Usage tip
In aviation, 'flame-out' (also spelled 'flameout' as a noun) is a technical term for a jet engine failure. Figuratively, it describes a person or enterprise that fails spectacularly, especially after early success. More common in American English and journalistic writing.
Words that pair with "flame out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
career startup engine campaign talent promising
How to conjugate "flame out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
flame out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
flames out
he/she/it
Past simple
flamed out
yesterday
Past participle
flamed out
have + pp
-ing form
flaming out
continuous
Hear "flame out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "flame out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "flame out"
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Keep exploring
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