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

The joyride ended with a customary burnout, as the rising star closed his big day in a cloud of smoke. —Time, 9 June 2026

The actor, 56, played Kenny, the burnout brother who softened to family life over an unforgettable summer. —Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026

Verb

Better focus, fewer mistakes, stronger ideas, healthier people, and a culture that doesn’t burn out its best employees. —William Jones june 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 June 2026

But like many residents, Leo-Omine was burned out by this year’s ballot. —Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 3 June 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