Burnout: meaning, definitions and examples

This is often used to describe a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress, typically in the context of work. It is associated with a sense of reduced accomplishment and loss of personal identity.

• After working nonstop for months without any breaks, she experienced burnout and couldn't continue.
• The doctor said that burnout is a serious condition that requires proper rest and recovery.

This describes a state of extreme physical or mental fatigue. It can result from overwork, illness, or prolonged exertion. Unlike burnout, exhaustion can occur from a variety of activities, not just work.

• After running the marathon, he collapsed in exhaustion.
• She felt a deep exhaustion after the long and stressful week.

This is a term often used to describe a feeling of tiredness or weariness that can be both physical and mental. It can result from lack of sleep, prolonged effort, or illness.

• Chronic illness can lead to constant fatigue that affects everyday activities.
• Driving long distances without rest can cause serious fatigue.

This refers to a feeling of emotional or mental strain and pressure. It can come from any event or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, or nervous.

• She experienced a lot of stress before her big presentation.
• Managing the new project caused him considerable stress.

Used mainly to describe a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, often in a professional setting.

• After working 70-hour weeks for months on end, she was experiencing serious burnout.
• Burnout among teachers is becoming an increasing concern.

Used to describe a more persistent form of tiredness that can't be easily overcome by simply resting. Can be both mental and physical.

• He was suffering from fatigue after traveling for hours without a break.
• Mental fatigue can result from sustained heavy thinking.

Denotes a tiredness often resulting from long, hard work or strain, generally used to describe a general feeling of being worn out.

• There was a weariness in her voice as she recounted the events of the day.
• The constant travel had led to a sense of weariness.

Refers to extreme physical or mental tiredness, can be temporary and not necessarily related to stress or long-term causes.

• After the long marathon, he collapsed in exhaustion.
• You could see the exhaustion on her face after taking care of the kids all day.

Use this term when describing a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, often related to work. It suggests a more serious, chronic condition that can affect various aspects of life.

• After months of working overtime, Sarah struggled with severe burnout and had to take a break.

This word is useful when referring to a temporary state of extreme tiredness or lack of energy due to physical or mental effort. This does not usually imply long-term effects.

• Running that marathon really exhausted me.

This word implies a feeling of tiredness often accompanied by a sense of boredom or dissatisfaction, and is typically used when someone is tired due to repetitive or tedious tasks.

• He felt weary after hours of monotonous work on the assembly line.

The term 'fatigue' is appropriate for describing a state of tiredness or weariness, which can be either physical or mental. It can describe both temporary and chronic conditions.

• Fatigue set in after hours of studying for the final exams.