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run out

A2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words

When you have nothing left of something, like when there's no more milk in the fridge

Literal meaning: To run out of a place — the physical sense is transparent; the 'exhaust a supply' sense is a natural extension

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To have no more of something left because it has all been used

"We've run out of coffee — can you pick some up on your way home?"

""We're running out of time.""

— Common political phrase; notably used by Barack Obama in climate speeches, widely reported 2009–2016
Grammar: inseparable
2 A2 neutral

To leave a place quickly by running

"She ran out of the building when the fire alarm went off."

Grammar: inseparable
3 C1 idiomatic neutral

(Cricket) To dismiss a batsman by breaking the wicket while they are running between wickets

"The fielder ran him out with a direct throw from the boundary."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Extremely common in everyday English. Almost always followed by 'of' when specifying what has been exhausted. In cricket, to 'run out' a batsman means to dismiss them while running.

Commonly used with

time money food patience luck options

Forms

Base
run out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
runs out
he/she/it
Past simple
ran out
yesterday
Past participle
run out
have + pp
-ing form
running out
continuous

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