low on steam

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "low on steam" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is feeling tired, lacking energy, or running out of motivation. Example: "After working long hours all week, I was feeling low on steam and decided to take a break."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Long story short, Ms The Hat gets wind of a young girl called Abra with megawatt levels of the shining, and – running low on steam – conceives a strong desire to eat her.

The Guardian - Books

We all run low on steam sometimes.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Well, you're never going to get a better price than on this weekend, as all id games are 50% off their already pretty low prices on Steam.

TechCrunch

Fill, turn on, steam your window.

WikiHow

The low cost of the games on Steam is also a problem here we have to develop for a new operating system, at great expense, when the consumer is used to paying rock-bottom prices.

Vice

Second, in the models with two and three district heaters the pressure on the low pressure steam extraction is so low that the condensing temperature is only slightly above the district heating return flow temperature.

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

Monitor was the most innovative design by virtue of its low freeboard, shallow-draft iron hull, and total dependence on steam power.

Wikipedia

The Monitor was the most innovative design by virtue of its low freeboard, shallow-draft iron hull, and total dependence on steam power.

Wikipedia

It is based on steam reforming, followed by high and low-temperature shift reactors and preferential oxidation.

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

Four different configurations for methane steam reformers are developed to examine the effect of heat transfer on the methane conversion performance of the low temperature steam reformer.

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

Or Witcher 3? Or anything on Steam?

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "low on steam" to describe a temporary state of reduced energy or motivation, particularly when someone was previously very active or productive. It implies a need for rest or rejuvenation.

Common error

Avoid using "low on steam" to describe a permanent condition of lacking energy or motivation. The idiom suggests a temporary dip, not a chronic state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "low on steam" functions as an idiomatic expression. According to Ludwig, it's a correct and usable phrase to describe a temporary state of reduced energy or motivation. It often modifies a subject implying a lack of drive or vigor.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "low on steam" is a grammatically sound and idiomatic expression used to describe a temporary state of reduced energy or motivation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English. While it's most common in neutral contexts, its connotation suggests a dip in energy rather than a permanent condition. Alternative phrases like "running out of energy" or "feeling drained" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. When writing, ensure you're using it to describe a temporary state and not a chronic condition, and consider your audience to determine if a more formal alternative might be appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of gas

Directly parallels the "steam" metaphor, indicating a lack of fuel or energy.

running out of energy

Focuses specifically on the depletion of physical or mental energy.

feeling drained

Emphasizes the feeling of being emptied of energy and vitality.

worn out

Highlights the feeling of being exhausted due to physical or mental exertion.

lacking motivation

Highlights the absence of drive or enthusiasm to pursue a task.

running on fumes

Suggests operating with minimal remaining resources, close to depletion.

spent

Indicates a state of being completely depleted of energy or resources.

at the end of one's rope

Implies reaching the limit of one's ability to cope or endure.

burnt out

Indicates a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress.

tapped out

Suggests having exhausted one's resources or abilities.

FAQs

How can I use "low on steam" in a sentence?

You can use "low on steam" to describe a situation where someone is feeling tired, lacking energy, or running out of motivation. For example: After working long hours all week, I was feeling "low on steam" and decided to take a break.

What can I say instead of "low on steam"?

You can use alternatives like "running out of energy", "feeling drained", or "lacking motivation" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "low on steam" in formal writing?

While "low on steam" is widely understood, it's generally more suitable for informal or conversational contexts. In formal writing, consider using more direct and professional alternatives like "depleted of energy" or "lacking motivation".

What does it mean to be "low on steam"?

Being "low on steam" means you are feeling tired, exhausted, and lacking the energy or motivation to continue with a task or activity. It suggests a temporary state of depletion, implying that with rest or a change of pace, you can regain your energy.