PhrasesHub

burned out

    Definitions

      • discourage someone
        Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit

      • exhausted or overwhelmed
        Describing someone who is physically or emotionally drained due to overwork or stress

    Examples of burned out

    • The teacher seems burned out from teaching for so many years. She lacks the energy and enthusiasm she once had for the job.

      The phrase "burned out" is used to describe a person who is physically, emotionally, or mentally exhausted or depleted, often as a result of prolonged stress or overwork. In this example, the teacher has been teaching for a long time and has lost her enthusiasm and energy as a result, suggesting that she may need a break or some form of restoration.

    • The project left me completely burned out. I feel drained and unable to concentrate on anything else.

      Here, "burned out" is used to describe the state of exhaustion or depletion that can result from intense or prolonged effort. The individual in this example has completed a project, but the effort required to complete it has left them feeling depleted and unable to concentrate on anything else, suggesting that they may need some form of rest or relaxation.

    • The overtime requirements have left us feeling burned out and demoralized. We need to find a way to manage our workload more effectively.

      In this example, the phrase "burned out" is used to describe the physical and emotional exhaustion that can result from excessive workload demands. The individuals in this example have been required to work long hours, leaving them feeling depleted and demoralized, suggesting that they need to find ways to manage their workload more effectively in order to avoid becoming burned out.

    • After years of hard work, the entrepreneur burned out and closed the business.

      Here, "burned out" is used to describe the state of physical, emotional, or mental exhaustion that can lead to the cessation of a long-standing effort. In this example, the entrepreneur has been working hard for many years, but the effort required to sustain the business has left them feeling depleted and unable to continue, suggesting that they have decided to close the business as a result.

    • After working on the same project for six months straight, Janet's passion for her job has faded, leaving her completely burned out.

      In this example, "burned out" is being used as a metaphorical expression to describe Janet's emotional state. Just as a light bulb that's been used for too long can eventually burn out, Janet's intense focus and effort on a single project has left her feeling drained and depleted of energy and enthusiasm.

    • The teacher warned the class that spending too many late nights studying would leave them burned out and unprepared for the exams.

      Here, "burned out" is being used in a more literal sense to refer to the physical and mental exhaustion that can result from excessive studying. Just as a light bulb that's been overused can become dim and flicker, students who neglect self-care and overwork themselves might end up feeling exhausted and unprepared for their exams.

    • The non-profit organization's efforts to save the endangered species have been going on for years without any significant progress, leaving the volunteers burned out and disillusioned.

      This example illustrates how "burned out" can be used to describe a situation where efforts have been unsuccessful for an extended period of time, leaving individuals physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted.

    • John's phone died unexpectedly, and he was left feeling burned out and frustrated as he had no backup charger with him at the time.

      In this example, "burned out" is being used figuratively to describe John's negative emotional state resulting from a situation that left him feeling depleted or exhausted, in this case, the unexpected failure of his phone's battery.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "burned out" can be used in various contexts to discourage someone from pursuing a certain activity or to describe someone who is feeling exhausted or overwhelmed. It serves as a warning against overexertion and emphasizes the importance of self-care and balance in one's life. By using this idiom, individuals can express their concerns for others' well-being or communicate their own feelings of fatigue and strain.

    When cautioning someone not to get "burned out," it implies a sense of care and consideration for their welfare. On the other hand, when describing oneself as "burned out," it conveys a sense of vulnerability and the need for rest and recuperation. Overall, the idiom highlights the importance of recognizing one's limits and taking steps to prevent burnout in various aspects of life.

    Origin of "burned out"

    The origin of the idiom "burned out" can be traced back to the early 20th century, where it was first used in a literal sense to describe something that had been consumed by fire and was no longer usable. Over time, the term evolved to take on a figurative meaning, referring to someone who is depleted or exhausted, much like an object that has been completely burned.

    The idiom gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s, particularly in the context of work-related stress and fatigue. As the pace of life accelerated and demands in the workplace increased, more people began to experience burnout, leading to the widespread use of the term to describe this phenomenon. Today, "burned out" is a common expression used to convey feelings of exhaustion and overwhelm, serving as a reminder to prioritize self-care and mental well-being in a fast-paced world.