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
Synonyms
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
Dave Wessinger, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024
The result, inevitably, is burnout: The job keeps getting harder and requiring more hours, but resources for hiring, buying new equipment, improving security, and more have been inconsistent and haphazard.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 25 Oct. 2024
Jason Newman, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 2024
Overachievers who neglect their bodies' needs can burn out quickly.
—Dr. Terrie Hope, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for burnout 
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Noun
The cost and complexity of care have escalated, staffing levels remain stubbornly low and burnout among healthcare professionals is a persistent issue.
—Dave Wessinger, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024
The result, inevitably, is burnout: The job keeps getting harder and requiring more hours, but resources for hiring, buying new equipment, improving security, and more have been inconsistent and haphazard.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 25 Oct. 2024
Verb
As Taylor tells it, he was physically burnt out from all the time on the road.
—Jason Newman, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 2024
Overachievers who neglect their bodies' needs can burn out quickly.
—Dr. Terrie Hope, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for burnout
Dictionary Entries Near burnout
Cite this Entry
“Burnout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/burnout. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
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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