1 B1 idiomatic neutral
For rain to cancel or prevent an outdoor event from taking place.
"The cricket match was completely washed out due to the heavy rain."
separable
wash out
B1 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
For rain to cancel an event, for a colour or stain to be removed by washing, or for someone to feel exhausted.
In plain English
Rain stops an outdoor event from happening, a colour fades when washed, or you feel very tired and pale.
What does "wash out" mean?
4 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
For a colour, dye, or stain to be removed or fade as a result of washing.
"This dye washes out easily, so avoid hot water."
inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic informal
(Informal) To make someone feel extremely tired, weak, or drained.
"That 12-hour shift completely washed me out."
separable
4 B2 neutral
For water or flooding to destroy or damage a road, path, or structure.
"Several roads were washed out by last night's storm."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To wash so that something goes out.
Actually means
Rain stops an outdoor event from happening, a colour fades when washed, or you feel very tired and pale.
Usage tip
'Washed out' as an adjective describes both a faded appearance (washed-out colours) and physical exhaustion (feeling washed out). Very common in British English when describing sporting events cancelled due to rain.
Words that pair with "wash out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
match game event colour stain road feeling
How to conjugate "wash out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
wash out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
washes out
he/she/it
Past simple
washed out
yesterday
Past participle
washed out
have + pp
-ing form
washing out
continuous
Hear "wash out" in the wild
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Other ways to say "wash out"
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Keep exploring
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