# burnout

/ˈbɝˌnaʊt/ (US) · /bˈɜːnaʊt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/burnout
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a state of feeling completely exhausted because you have worked too hard for too long. It makes you feel like you have no energy or interest left for your job.

For teachers: a state of physical, emotional, or mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress or overwork. Often involves a sense of reduced accomplishment and a loss of personal identity.

## Examples

- Many nurses suffer from burnout after working long shifts.
- The company introduced a four-day work week to help employees avoid burnout and improve their mental health.
- Psychologists suggest that professional burnout is not merely the result of long hours, but also of a perceived lack of control over one's environment and insufficient rewards for effort.

## Usage notes

- Often used with the verbs 'experience', 'suffer from', or 'prevent'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.