- Burn out (verb phrase): To become exhausted or ineffective due to prolonged stress or overwork.
- Burned out (adjective): The state of being exhausted or ineffective from prolonged stress or overwork.
Explanation
Origin
- The term likely draws an analogy to a fire or candle that has consumed all its fuel and extinguished itself, leaving nothing but ash or remnants.
- Popularized in the 1970s, particularly in relation to professions involving high stress and emotional demand, like healthcare and social work.
- It signifies a complete depletion of physical, emotional, and mental resources.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Running on fumes (Similar to 'running on empty')
- Beat (Very tired)
- Wiped / Wiped out (Exhausted)
- Zonked / Zonked out (Completely exhausted, often implies sleepiness)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Fucking exhausted
- Completely fucked (Can imply exhaustion leading to inability to function)
- Dog-tired (Very tired, less vulgar)
Milder:
- Overwhelmed
- Stressed out
- Fatigued
Situational Appropriateness
- Generally informal to neutral.
- Acceptable in most workplace settings when discussing workload or well-being, though perhaps use exhausted or overwhelmed in very formal contexts.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Non-native speakers might initially think of literal burning. Context (work, stress) usually makes the meaning clear.
Examples
- If you keep working 80 hours a week, you're going to burn out.
- After months of intense studying, she felt completely burned out.
- Many teachers are burning out due to large class sizes and lack of support.
Dialogue
Chris: You look exhausted, man.
Jamie: I am. Totally burned out. This project has been non-stop for weeks.
Chris: You need to take a break before you collapse. Seriously.
Jamie: I know, I know. Maybe I'll take a long weekend soon.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Feeling seriously burned out after this conference marathon. Need a week of sleep. #WorkLife #Exhausted
- Post: Reminder to take breaks and avoid burnout! Your mental health matters more than productivity stats. #MentalHealthAwareness #SelfCare
- Thread: Anyone else dealing with creative burnout? Tips for reigniting the spark? #WritingCommunity #ArtistLife
Response Patterns
- If someone says they're burned out: Oh no, I'm sorry to hear that. / You should take a break. / What can you do to recharge? / I know the feeling.
- If warning someone: Yeah, you're probably right. / I know, but I have to finish this. / I'll try to slow down.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone says they're burned out:
- Ask: What's been causing the stress? / Have you thought about taking some time off? / Is there anything I can do to help?
- Action: Offer support, suggest resources, encourage rest.
After warning someone they might burn out:
- Ask: Are you getting enough sleep? / Is there any way to delegate some tasks?
- Action: Check in on them later, offer practical help if possible.
Conversation Starter
- No. Usually used to describe a state or as a response/warning, not to initiate a general conversation.
Intonation
- For Burn out: Stress usually on out. You'll burn OUT.
- For Burned out: Stress usually on Burned. BURNED out. The tone is often weary or resigned.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used across generations, particularly relevant in discussions about work-life balance.
Regional Variations
- Common in most English-speaking regions (US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.).