burning out

Definition of burning outnext
present participle of burn out

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of burning out Keeping it fresh How has a band that’s been together for more than 50 years managed to remain a creative force without burning out, splitting up or devolving into little more than a human jukebox pumping out nostalgia? Marc Ballon, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026 All that, in a 6-3 win over the Philadelphia Flyers to keep the final embers of the Red Wings’ playoff hopes from burning out. Max Bultman, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026 The fire broke out for a short time before burning out by itself, police said, adding that no one was injured. Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 14 Mar. 2026 Families are aging, caregivers are burning out, and too many people are forced into crisis placements or inappropriate settings because suitable housing options simply do not exist. Fay Lenz, Hartford Courant, 9 Feb. 2026 This approach is gaining traction across sales, partnerships, and customer success teams, where professionals face constant pressure to be responsive without burning out. Matt Emma, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026 Slowing down the rate at which heat left the bulb prevented the filament from burning out as quickly. Natalia Sánchez Loayza, Scientific American, 5 Feb. 2026 Layoff anxiety is driving side hustles, and some side hustlers are burning out trying to get a business off the ground or taking on too many side hustles. Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026 Wildfires burning out of control in southern Chile have killed at least 15 people and forced more than 50,000 to evacuate, the government said Sunday. CBS News, 18 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burning out
Verb
  • That moment came courtesy of a guy wearing a Cubs uniform, but Monday grew up in Santa Monica and delivered his spontaneous commemoration of Flag Day in the year of America’s bicentennial.
    Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2026
  • And the University of San Francisco issued a public safety warning to students after a man wearing Ray-Ban Meta sunglasses was suspected of filming women with the intention of posting the videos online.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In some cases, the frost is severe enough to end the growing season and is then referred to as a 'killing frost'.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Mack was sentenced to 10 years in prison for killing her mother, while Schaefer, who admitted fatally beating von Wiese-Mack but claimed self defense, received an 18-year prison term.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In some ways, the Wolfpack were already destined for a reset, with veterans like Tre Holloman, Darrion Williams, Quadir Copeland and Ven-Allen Lubin all exhausting their eligibility.
    Brendan Marks, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Instead, America seems to be exhausting itself and its arsenals in the Middle East.
    Andreas Kluth, Twin Cities, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • These design aspects allow users to operate it for extended periods without tiring or switching between different power outlets.
    Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 12 Apr. 2026
  • This helps each step feel lighter and easier, diminishing fatigue and letting the wearer venture out farther without tiring.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Communities across the Upper Midwest are cleaning up after tornadoes and severe weather impacted the region over the weekend, damaging and destroying dozens of homes and knocking out power for tens of thousands.
    Chandelis Duster, NPR, 19 Apr. 2026
  • The two teams avoided each other last postseason, with the Oklahoma City Thunder knocking out the Nuggets on their way to the Western Conference finals.
    Anthony Bettin, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Around 80% or lower means the battery is wearing out.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Will the novelty of an MLB franchise hosting home games in California’s capital for the first time fade in the A’s second season, wearing out like the pitcher’s mound in the eighth inning?
    Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Andrew Tate is not washing out.
    Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Tiny water droplets can scatter light, washing out the vivid reds and oranges.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The geopolitical conflict in the Middle East is actively draining the American wallet.
    Katica Roy, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The perfusionist questioned the decision to stop disinfecting the units, saying his concern with draining was that if the tanks weren’t completely dry and still contained moisture, bacteria could form.
    Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Burning out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burning%20out. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster