maxed out

USAGE SUMMARY

"maxed out" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has reached its limit. For example, "I maxed out my credit card so I can't purchase anything else this month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Smaug maxed out at £42.9m.

The Guardian - Film

"I maxed out my credit cards.

The New York Times

We maxed out at virtually seven minutes!

The Guardian - Music

Bolt eventually maxed out around £18m.

The Guardian - Film

"My card was maxed out," she says.

The New York Times - Magazine

"My business is maxed out," he said.

The New York Times

The tournament "maxed out the device," Williams said.

The New York Times - Sports

Sanders will have maxed out his support among progressive Democrats.

The New Yorker

I think I maxed out between 275 and 280.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Private prison operator on list of Brown's maxed-out contributors.

Los Angeles Times

• INSIDE TRACK: Maxed-out Mini.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "maxed out" when you want to indicate that something has reached its limit, whether it's a credit card, a resource, or a person's capacity. It's a versatile phrase that can apply to various contexts.

Common error

While "maxed out" is widely understood, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise synonyms like "fully utilized" or "at full capacity" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maxed out" primarily functions as an adjective phrase. It typically describes a noun that has reached its limit, capacity, or maximum potential. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples of its usage in describing various contexts, from credit cards to physical and emotional limits.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "maxed out" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe something that has reached its limit or maximum capacity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and commonly found in news articles, general online content and informal communications. When using this phrase, consider your audience and the formality of the context. In highly formal settings, consider using more precise synonyms such as "fully utilized" or "at full capacity". Finally, while "maxed out" is widely understood, be mindful of overuse, and ensure it aligns with the overall tone and style of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reached its limit

This alternative directly replaces "maxed out" with a more literal expression of reaching a boundary.

reached full capacity

This alternative emphasizes the idea of reaching the maximum possible capacity.

at its peak

This alternative suggests that something has reached its highest point or level.

exhausted

This alternative implies that resources or energy have been completely used up.

fully utilized

This alternative suggests that something is being used to its fullest extent.

stretched to the limit

This alternative emphasizes the idea of being strained or extended as far as possible.

tapped out

This alternative, often used informally, conveys a sense of being completely used up or exhausted.

saturated

This alternative implies that something is filled to the point where no more can be added.

at the breaking point

This alternative suggests being at a critical stage where further strain could cause failure.

completely depleted

This alternative emphasizes the total consumption of resources or energy.

FAQs

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

You can use "maxed out" to describe something that has reached its limit. For example, "My credit card is "maxed out"" or "The server is "maxed out" with user requests".

What are some alternatives to using "maxed out"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "reached its limit", "fully utilized", or "at full capacity".

Is "maxed out" appropriate for formal writing?

While "maxed out" is generally acceptable in most contexts, it might be too informal for highly formal or academic writing. Consider using more precise and formal synonyms in those situations.

What does it mean when something is described as "maxed out"?

When something is described as ""maxed out"", it means it has reached its maximum capacity or limit. This could apply to physical resources, financial limits, or even a person's emotional capacity.