burned-out

1 of 3

adjective

ˈbərnd-ˈau̇t 

ˈbərnt-ˈau̇t

variants or burnt-out

ˈbərnt-ˈau̇t 

1

: worn-out

also : exhausted

2

: destroyed by fire

a burned-out building

burnout

2 of 3

noun

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

burn out

3 of 3

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

Synonyms of burned-out

Adjective

• tired
• exhausted
• weary
• drained

Noun

• exhaustion
• fatigue

Verb

• wear
• kill
• exhaust
• tire
• drain
• wear out
• wash out

Examples of burned-out in a Sentence

Adjective

I'm feeling so burned-out that I can't wait for vacation

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

Adjective

Replace and recycle burned-out or flickering bulbs. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026

Among the many other programmes, the three-day Feel Alive Again programme is suited to those suffering the after effects of the pandemic or generally burnt-out from the pace of 21st-century life. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026

Noun

Often promoted for individual contributions, many managers lack leadership training, face unclear expectations, and suffer from excessive workloads, leading to burnout. — Dr. Samantha Madhosingh, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

When college decisions finally roll in, the culmination of years of pressure can lead to burnout, especially if things do not go according to plan. — Kayla Lee, Mercury News, 7 July 2026

Verb

Another method is to cut off oxygen to the fire by using a snuffing lid, then let the fire burn out naturally. — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 4 July 2026

Pictures posted online showed a fire burning out of control at the top of the building on the central Shevchenko Boulevard. — Reuters, NBC news, 2 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1816, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1940, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1710, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for burned-out

• roundabout
• runabout
• sauerkraut
• thereabout
• turnabout
• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout

Kids Definition

burned-out

adjective

ˈbərnd-ˈau̇t, 

ˈbərnt-

variants or burnt-out

ˈbərnt-

1

: worn-out sense 2

2

: destroyed by fire

a burned-out building