burnout

American  

[burn-out] / ˈbɜrnˌaʊt /

noun

1. a fire that is totally destructive of something.

2. Also burn-out fatigue, frustration, or apathy resulting from prolonged stress, overwork, or intense activity.

3. Rocketry.

   1. the termination of effective combustion in a rocket engine, due to exhaustion of propellant.

   2. the end of the powered portion of a rocket's flight.

4. Electricity. the breakdown of a lamp, motor, or other electrical device due to the heat created by the current flowing through it.

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Etymology

Origin of burnout

First recorded in 1900–05; noun use of verb phrase burn out

Example Sentences

McDonnell and other police officials have said staffing shortages are limiting the department’s ability to respond quickly to low-level crimes, leading to high officer burnout rates, and driving up overtime expenses.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

A BCG study of 1,488 professionals in the United States actually found a decline in burnout rates when AI took over repetitive work tasks.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

“Over time this can lead to cognitive overload, burnout, poorer decision-making and declining work quality, even if workers appear more productive in the short run.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

They’re doing it for their family, to have more life experiences or simply to avoid burnout.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 4, 2026

I had heard the burnout rumors as just the kind of complaints that always swirl around strong personalities.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover

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