ran out of wind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ran out of wind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone has lost their energy or stamina, often after physical exertion. Example: "After running the marathon, I completely ran out of wind and had to sit down to catch my breath."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But he slowly ran out of wind.

The Economist

For when the sleek, fast maxiboats ran out of wind, the smaller vessels astern continued to make miles in a private pocket of air.

The New York Times - Sports

After an early-season, 10-game run that included eight wins and only one defeat, the Saints ran out of wind, losing four successive Premier League matches.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Trade wind A tariff here, a bribe there Running out of options ReprintsAround $220m is needed immediately.

The Economist

Trade wind A tariff here, a bribe there Running out of options ReprintsThe IMF also said that customs administration should be moved from Guayaquil to Quito, the capital.

The Economist

Running out of steam.

The Economist

Running out of runners.

Los Angeles Times

Here we never run out of wind.

The New York Times

"The weather systems tend to pile up as you approach the continent and there's a much greater vulnerability to running out of wind".

The New York Times - Sports

A local guide had set out in advance with donkeys and supplies, in case Steinmetz ran out of gas, or wind, and couldn't make it back.

The New Yorker

On his first of two green flag laps, Castroneves hit 160.031, but on his second lap his Honda-powered Reynard slowed perceptibly in the middle of the fourth turn because he ran out of fuel, and he wound up well off the pace.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ran out of wind" to describe a situation where someone or something has lost momentum or energy, especially after a period of intense activity. For example, use it to describe a political campaign that has lost support or an athlete who has become exhausted.

Common error

Avoid using "ran out of wind" in literal contexts related to weather. The phrase is typically used metaphorically to describe a loss of energy or momentum, not a lack of actual wind.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ran out of wind" functions as an idiomatic expression, primarily used as a verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct. It often describes a loss of energy, momentum, or resources, particularly in contexts involving sports, politics, or prolonged effort.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ran out of wind" is a grammatically sound and understandable idiomatic expression that signifies a loss of energy, momentum, or resources. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples of its usage in contexts like sports, politics, and general narratives. While appropriate for neutral settings, it might be slightly informal for highly formal contexts. Alternatives include "lost momentum" or "lost steam". Use it to vividly describe scenarios where a decline in vigor or progress occurs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ran out of steam

Suggests depletion of resources or enthusiasm.

lost momentum

Focuses on the loss of forward progress or impetus.

lost steam

Implies a reduction in enthusiasm or energy.

became exhausted

Highlights physical or mental fatigue.

lost energy

Directly refers to a decrease in available power or vigor.

reached the end of the road

Suggests the culmination or exhaustion of possibilities.

fizzled out

Describes a gradual decline and eventual disappearance.

reached its limit

Describes when something can no longer continue.

came to a standstill

Implies complete cessation of movement or progress.

was unable to continue

Highlights the inability to proceed further.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "ran out of wind"?

Saying someone "ran out of wind" means they lost their energy, stamina, or momentum, often after a period of intense activity or effort. It's typically used metaphorically.

What can I say instead of "ran out of wind"?

You can use alternatives like "lost momentum", "lost steam", or "became exhausted", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "ran out of wind" in a formal setting?

While "ran out of wind" is understandable, it is generally more appropriate for informal or neutral contexts. In formal settings, consider using more direct phrases like "lost momentum" or "reached its limit".

How does "ran out of wind" differ from "ran out of steam"?

While both phrases are similar, "ran out of wind" often implies a more sudden or immediate loss of energy or momentum. "Ran out of steam" /s/ran+out+of+steam often suggests a more gradual decline.