What does "rust out" mean (sense 1)?

For a metal object to be destroyed or made unusable by extensive rusting from within Example: "The old truck had completely rusted out — the floor panels had crumbled away."

What does "rust out" mean (sense 2)?

(Figurative) To become mentally or physically stagnant from inactivity or lack of challenge Example: "He retired at fifty and worried he would rust out without work to keep his mind sharp."

Browse all

rust out

C1 neutral inseparable intransitive

To become so corroded by rust that something is weakened or destroyed, or (figuratively) to become mentally or physically stagnant through inactivity

In plain English

When something is ruined by rust from the inside, or when a person gets worse from not doing anything

What does "rust out" mean?

2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 C1 neutral

uncommon

For a metal object to be destroyed or made unusable by extensive rusting from within

"The old truck had completely rusted out — the floor panels had crumbled away."

inseparable

2 C1 idiomatic neutral

rare

(Figurative) To become mentally or physically stagnant from inactivity or lack of challenge

"He retired at fifty and worried he would rust out without work to keep his mind sharp."

“

"It is better to wear out than to rust out."
— Attributed to Bishop Richard Cumberland / George Whitefield, 18th century; widely quoted proverbial expression

inseparable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

To be emptied out or destroyed by rust — fairly transparent for the corrosion sense

Actually means

When something is ruined by rust from the inside, or when a person gets worse from not doing anything

Usage tip

The literal sense applies to vehicles and metal structures. The figurative sense ('It's better to wear out than to rust out') is a well-known proverbial expression encouraging activity over idleness. Associated with the quote attributed to Richard Cumberland and Bishop Richard Watts.

Words that pair with "rust out"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

engine frame car pipe mind body

How to conjugate "rust out"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base

rust out

I/you/we/they

3rd person

rusts out

he/she/it

Past simple

rusted out

yesterday

Past participle

rusted out

have + pp

-ing form

rusting out

continuous

Hear "rust out" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "rust out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Keep exploring

Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.

All phrasal verbs with "rust" All phrasal verbs with "out" More C1-level phrasal verbs