Browse all

wash out

B1 neutral separable both
In simple words

Rain stops an outdoor event from happening, a colour fades when washed, or you feel very tired and pale.

Literal meaning: To wash so that something goes out.

Meanings

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."

Grammar: separable
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."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic informal

(Informal) To make someone feel extremely tired, weak, or drained.

"That 12-hour shift completely washed me out."

Grammar: 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."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

'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.

Commonly used with

match game event colour stain road feeling

Forms

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

Understand "wash out" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Synonyms

cancel rain off fade obliterate knock out exhaust

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "wash out" on Looplines