are maxed out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are maxed out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where resources, limits, or capacities have been fully utilized or reached their maximum level. Example: "After working overtime for several weeks, I feel like my energy levels are maxed out and I need a break."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

When people are maxed out, their history comes alive.

The Guardian - Travel

If the cards are "maxed out," Ms. Gaskin said, "that's going to be very negative".

The New York Times

Leases are signed, credit cards are maxed out, jobs are quit, and doors are closed.

The New York Times

It's just that we are maxed out, awash in small plastic bricks.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now, their credit cards are maxed out and their bank accounts are empty.

The Guardian

"Their credit cards are maxed out, their checkbooks are strained to the limit".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Folks are maxing out on their credit cards, trying to stay afloat.

The New York Times

"They are maxing out in size, 3,600 square feet, which is pretty big for Fire Island".

The New York Times

"If we are maxing out our carbon budget, as we currently are, we should also max out our emissions target," he said.

The Guardian

"My card was maxed out," she says.

The New York Times - Magazine

"My business is maxed out," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are maxed out" when you want to convey that a limit has been reached, whether it's financial, physical, or operational. It's suitable for describing credit cards, resources, or even personal capacity.

Common error

Avoid using "are maxed out" in highly formal or academic writing. While widely understood, more precise or sophisticated vocabulary might be more appropriate, like using "at full capacity" in a report instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are maxed out" functions primarily as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a noun (e.g., credit cards, resources) as having reached its maximum limit or capacity. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are maxed out" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe when something has reached its limit or maximum capacity. Ludwig confirms that it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, though less appropriate in highly formal settings. Alternatives like ""are at full capacity"" might be preferred in those situations. Be mindful of the context and choose the most precise vocabulary for your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are maxed out

It refers to the exhaustion of a resource.

are at their maximum

A more literal way of expressing having reached the highest possible level or amount.

are tapped out

Similar meaning, emphasizes the depletion of financial or other resources.

are at full capacity

More formal and emphasizes the physical or operational limit.

have reached the saturation point

Implies that no more can be added or absorbed.

are stretched to the limit

Highlights the strain and potential for failure due to overextension.

are overloaded

Emphasizes being burdened beyond capacity.

have reached their peak

Indicates the highest point of achievement or capability.

are fully booked

Specifically refers to scheduling or reservations being completely filled.

are completely exhausted

Focuses on the depletion of resources or energy.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is "are maxed out"?

When something is "are maxed out", it means that it has reached its limit or maximum capacity. This can apply to various contexts, such as credit cards, resources, or personal limits.

How can I use "are maxed out" in a sentence?

You can use "are maxed out" to describe situations where a limit has been reached. For example, "My credit cards "are maxed out", so I can't make any more purchases" or "The venue "is at full capacity", so no more people can enter."

What are some alternatives to saying "are maxed out"?

Some alternatives to "are maxed out" include "are at full capacity", "are tapped out", or "have reached their peak" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "are maxed out"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "are maxed out". It's a common and widely understood phrase used to indicate that a limit has been reached.