fizzle out

Idioms  

1. Fail, end weakly, especially after a hopeful beginning. For example, The enthusiasm for reform has fizzled out in this state. The word fizzle dates from the early 1500s and meant “to break wind without making noise.” Later it was applied to hissing noises, such as those made by wet fireworks, and then to any endeavor that ends in disappointment. [Colloquial; mid-1800s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

fizzle out

"When that happens, triplets easily fizzle out before they ever meet. Molecules must be close enough for energy to transfer but separated enough to prevent quenching of excitons."

From Science Daily ● Jun. 26, 2026

The stock popped following the IPO but has slumped 24% over the past six trading sessions through Thursday’s close, with investors rethinking a lofty valuation amid worries that the AI boom could fizzle out.

From Barron's ● Jun. 26, 2026

“It is perfectly possible that the indirect effects only feed through once and then fizzle out later.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 10, 2026

The Ebola outbreak could swell into the next great pandemic, or it could be contained and fizzle out, which is certainly the preferable option.

From Salon ● May 20, 2026

They fly smoky circles around my head and then fizzle out.

From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston

Related Words

• deteriorate
• disappear
• end
• expire
• fail
• fall
• pass
• stop
• vanish