burnt out

USAGE SUMMARY

"burnt out" is a correct and usable term in written English.
It is often used to describe someone who is emotionally, physically, or mentally exhausted, or a situation that is not functioning properly or has stopped working altogether. For example: "The engine is completely burnt out and will need to be replaced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

"I just got burnt out," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

"I really ended up burnt out," he says.

Science Magazine

Are you burnt out?

Harvard Business Review

LSD: Nirvana or burnt out?

Columbia University

Our GPs are burnt out and miserable.

The Guardian

"Maybe I burnt out," he said today.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Burnt-out tanks hulk under cherry trees.

Independent

Other burnt-out vehicles were also visible.

Independent

Burnt-out tanks are all around.

The Guardian

"Beds, mattresses, a burnt-out car".

The Guardian

'They have left burnt-out tanks.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "burnt out" to describe a person's state, ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to emotional, physical, or mental exhaustion. For example, specify "emotionally burnt out" if you want to emphasize the emotional aspect.

Common error

Avoid using "burnt out" to describe temporary tiredness or a passing feeling of being overworked. "Burnt out" implies a more profound and prolonged state of exhaustion and depletion, not a temporary setback.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "burnt out" primarily functions as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe a state of exhaustion, depletion, or malfunction, both in people and objects. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science & Research

11%

Huffington Post

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

The Guardian - Lifestyle

1%

The Guardian - Tech

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "burnt out" is a versatile and commonly used adjective phrase that effectively conveys a state of extreme exhaustion or malfunction. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and appears across various contexts, from news reports to personal narratives. When using "burnt out", be mindful of the context to ensure clarity, and avoid using it for temporary tiredness. Alternatives such as "exhausted" or "drained" can be considered for nuanced expression. With its widespread acceptance and clear meaning, "burnt out" remains a valuable term for describing conditions of depletion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exhausted

A more general term for being extremely tired, applicable to both physical and mental states.

depleted

Focuses on the reduction of resources or energy, suggesting a state of being emptied.

worn out

Emphasizes the effects of prolonged use or stress, implying damage or reduced functionality.

overwhelmed

Highlights the feeling of being burdened by too much to handle, leading to mental and emotional fatigue.

drained

Implies a complete loss of energy and vitality, often associated with emotional or psychological stress.

fatigued

A more formal term for tiredness, often used in medical or scientific contexts.

used up

Suggests that all available resources or energy have been consumed, leaving nothing remaining.

spent

Implies that energy or resources have been fully expended, often in a particular activity or effort.

kaput

An informal term, borrowed from German, indicating that something is broken or no longer functional.

non-functional

Describes something that is not working or operating correctly, typically used for objects or systems.

FAQs

How can I use "burnt out" in a sentence?

You can use "burnt out" to describe a state of emotional, physical, or mental exhaustion. For example, "After working non-stop for six months, I felt completely "burnt out"".

What's the difference between "burnt out" and "stressed"?

"Stressed" refers to a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances. "Burnt out", on the other hand, is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged or excessive stress.

What can I say instead of "I'm burnt out"?

You can use alternatives like "I'm exhausted", "I'm drained", or "I'm overwhelmed" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "burnt out" to describe an object?

Yes, "burnt out" can describe an object that has ceased to function due to overheating or overuse, such as "a "burnt out lightbulb"" or "a "burnt out engine"".