1 B1 idiomatic informal
To stop paying attention to someone or something, especially because it is boring or annoying.
"Students tend to tune out after sitting in a lecture for more than an hour."
inseparable
tune out
B1 informal separable transitive/intransitive
To stop paying attention to something, either deliberately or because it has become boring or irritating.
In plain English
To stop listening to or paying attention to something or someone.
What does "tune out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
To deliberately ignore or block out a specific sound, person, or distraction.
"She learned to tune out the noise from the street and focus on her work."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To adjust a radio/TV away from a signal so you no longer receive it.
Actually means
To stop listening to or paying attention to something or someone.
Usage tip
Often used when someone stops listening due to boredom, irritation, or mental fatigue. Can be used with or without an object. Opposite of 'tune in'. Common in everyday speech.
Words that pair with "tune out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
noise criticism lecture background distractions completely
How to conjugate "tune out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
tune out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tunes out
he/she/it
Past simple
tuned out
yesterday
Past participle
tuned out
have + pp
-ing form
tuning out
continuous
Hear "tune out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "tune out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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