English · Body & Health
burnout
/ˈbɜːrn.aʊt/
[/ˈbɜːrn.aʊt/]
exhaustion from overwork
Intermediatenoun
Definition
A state of deep exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, especially at work.
Example
After months without a break, she suffered serious burnout and had to take leave.
After months without a break, she suffered serious burnout and had to take leave.
Etymology
A compound of 'burn' and 'out', popularised in the 1970s.
How & Where It’s Used
Now widely used in talk of work and wellbeing.