Definition

A state of physical or emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged stress or overwork.

Example

After working long hours for months, she experienced burnout and needed a break.

Conversation

I’ve been feeling really tired lately, like I might be experiencing some burnout.

That sounds rough! Have you been working too much?

Yeah, I’ve been putting in extra hours and it’s starting to take a toll on me.

You should take a break before you really hit that burnout stage.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Burnout is formed from "burn" (from Old English "byrnian", meaning to consume with fire) and "out" (meaning completely or entirely). The term describes a state of being completely consumed or exhausted, often due to prolonged stress or overwork.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'consumed by fire' ('burn') until you are 'completely' ('out') exhausted — that's what burnout means.

Visually Confused Words