burnout

1 of 2

noun

burn·​out ˈbərn-ˌau̇t How to pronounce burnout (audio)
1
: the cessation of operation usually of a jet or rocket engine
also : the point at which burnout occurs
2
a
: exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or motivation usually as a result of prolonged stress or frustration
b
: a person suffering from burnout
3
: a person showing the effects of drug abuse

burn out

2 of 2

verb

burned out or burnt out; burning out; burns out

transitive verb

1
: to drive out or destroy the property of by fire
2
: to cause to fail, wear out, or become exhausted especially from overwork or overuse

intransitive verb

: to suffer burnout

Examples of burnout in a Sentence

Noun Teaching can be very stressful, and many teachers eventually suffer burnout. the burnout rate among teachers a novel about academic burnouts Verb working 12-hour days at that job just burned me out
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Over time, this constant state of alertness can lead to burnout and feelings of overwhelm. Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 11 Jan. 2025 Blurred or nonexistent boundaries can lead to seemingly insurmountable burnout. Ankur Bindal, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
Now, with the Palisades Fire burning out of control on the other side of a mountain ridge, the campus is a gathering place for those needing refuge – and the people volunteering to help. Ali Martin, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Jan. 2025 The buzz was Amir, my partner, informing me that the minutes-old Eaton Fire a mile from our home was burning out of control. Mikey O'Connell, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for burnout 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1940, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1710, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of burnout was in 1710

Dictionary Entries Near burnout

Cite this Entry

“Burnout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/burnout. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

burnout

1 of 2 noun
burn·​out ˈbər-ˌnau̇t How to pronounce burnout (audio)
1
: the ending of operation of a jet or rocket engine as a result of the using up or shutting off of fuel
2
: the point in a flight at which burnout occurs
3
: exhaustion of one's bodily or mental strength

burn out

2 of 2 verb
1
: to drive out or destroy the property of by fire
2
: to cause to wear out or become exhausted

Medical Definition

burnout

noun
burn·​out ˈbərn-ˌau̇t How to pronounce burnout (audio)
1
a
: exhaustion of physical or emotional strength usually as a result of prolonged stress or frustration
b
: a person affected with burnout
2
: a person showing the effects of drug abuse
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!