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

“Across the board, I would say that there just definitely has been an increase in nostalgia,” says workplace well-being expert Jennifer Moss, who has spent years studying happiness, burnout and emotional behavior.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026

Tech workers across the industry are struggling to regain employment in their fields despite relentless searching, experiencing burnout on top of unemployment.

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

He explained that diabetes burnout could occur when having to manage his blood glucose levels, insulin injections, diet and exercise became overwhelming.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

"From our data, there are three things you could do to try to maximize mental sharpness: getting enough sleep, avoiding burnout over long periods of time, and finding ways to reduce depressive traps," says Hutcherson.

From Science Daily • Apr. 15, 2026

I said, and recognized at once that I was on the brink of a dangerous condition known as retail burnout.

From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson

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