1 B1 neutral
For a vehicle or engine to suddenly stop working
"The car stalled out on the motorway and I had to call for roadside assistance."
inseparable
stall out
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To stop making progress or functioning, especially suddenly or after initial momentum
In plain English
To suddenly stop working or moving forward, like a car engine that cuts out
What does "stall out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
For a process, project, or effort to stop making progress and come to a standstill
"The peace negotiations stalled out after three days when the delegations could not agree on basic terms."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
When a vehicle's engine stalls, it stops completely; 'out' reinforces the idea of complete cessation
Actually means
To suddenly stop working or moving forward, like a car engine that cuts out
Usage tip
Common in both literal (vehicles, engines) and figurative (projects, careers, economies) contexts. Very common in American English journalism and business reporting. Suggests that progress has halted and may not resume.
Words that pair with "stall out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
engine car economy talks project career reform
How to conjugate "stall out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
stall out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
stalls out
he/she/it
Past simple
stalled out
yesterday
Past participle
stalled out
have + pp
-ing form
stalling out
continuous
Hear "stall out" in the wild
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Other ways to say "stall out"
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