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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
This shift in mindset can allow business leaders to handle stress more effectively, preventing it from escalating into burnout. Raquel Gomes, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Researchers found average revenues among participant companies increased by 36% compared with the previous year, a 42% decrease in employee resignations, and a 64% reduction in burnout. Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
After the past few turbulent years, managers are burning out at alarming rates. Neena Newberry, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 The air became thick with white smoke as people burned out their tires while stuck in traffic or fired off bottle rockets from the back of trucks. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024 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 14 Nov. 2024.

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
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