# flame out

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/flame-out
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. to fail spectacularly

phrasal verb · CEFR C1 · American English · Informal

to fail suddenly and completely, especially after being very successful or popular for a short time.

For teachers: to fail in a sudden, dramatic, or complete manner, often following a period of intense activity or high expectations.

- The new tech startup flamed out after only six months when they ran out of money.
- Despite the initial hype and massive investment, the company flamed out spectacularly before it could even launch its second product line.

Usage: Intransitive; does not take a direct object.

### 2. engine failure

phrasal verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

when a jet engine stops working because the fire inside it goes out.

For teachers: to experience a flameout; the failure of a jet engine caused by the extinction of the flame in the combustion chamber.

- The pilot had to land the plane quickly after the left engine flamed out.
- The aircraft was forced into an emergency descent after the turbine flamed out at high altitude due to severe ice ingestion.

Usage: Used primarily in aviation contexts to describe mechanical failure.

### 3. to stop from exhaustion

phrasal verb · CEFR C1 · Informal

to stop doing something because you have no energy or strength left.

For teachers: to cease an activity or effort due to total physical or mental exhaustion.

- He was leading the race for ten miles but flamed out just before the finish line.
- The senator's campaign flamed out in the final weeks as the candidate succumbed to physical exhaustion and a lack of fresh funding.

Usage: Often used in sports or high-pressure career contexts.

## Examples

- The new startup flamed out after only six months.
- Many young athletes flame out early because they cannot handle the pressure of professional competition.
- The candidate's campaign began with record-breaking donations but flamed out following a series of high-profile scandals and strategic missteps.

## Usage notes

- Teaching tip: the metaphor comes from a jet engine failing or a fire burning through its fuel; it implies a bright, intense start followed by a total stop.

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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.