burn·out
ˈbərn-ˌau̇t 
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
burned out or burnt out; burning out; burns out
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
: 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
Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 27 Oct. 2025
Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke has opened up about the band’s extended break from touring, revealing that personal loss and emotional burnout contributed to the group’s seven-year absence from the stage.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 26 Oct. 2025
Big Think, 29 Oct. 2025
Key Takeaways Cream of wheat can be a good substitute if you're burnt out on oatmeal.
—Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for burnout
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Noun
This behind-the-scenes work can prevent unnecessary delays and emotional burnout.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 27 Oct. 2025
Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke has opened up about the band’s extended break from touring, revealing that personal loss and emotional burnout contributed to the group’s seven-year absence from the stage.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
That’s why so many soldiers, CEOs, and high achievers eventually burn out or break down.
—Big Think, 29 Oct. 2025
Key Takeaways Cream of wheat can be a good substitute if you're burnt out on oatmeal.
—Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for burnout
Cite this Entry
“Burnout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/burnout. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
burnout
1 of 2 noun
burn·out
ˈbər-ˌnau̇t
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 verb1
: 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
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
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