Run out of steam

verb

To become tired; to lose energy or vitality; to gradually decrease in power or effectiveness.

After running for ten miles non-stop, I finally ran out of steam and had to sit down.
Visual representation of "run out of steam" - To become tired; to lose energy or vitality; to gradually decrease in power or effectiveness.

Often appears as...

  • feel like you're running out of steam
  • quickly run out of steam

Usage tips

Idiomatic

verb

To lose enthusiasm, interest, or momentum.

The project started with great promise, but seemed to run out of steam halfway through.
Visual representation of "run out of steam" - To lose enthusiasm, interest, or momentum.

Often appears as...

  • project ran out of steam
  • campaign is running out of steam

Usage tips

Idiomatic

verb

To become tired; to lose energy or vitality; to gradually decrease in power or effectiveness.

After running for ten miles non-stop, I finally ran out of steam and had to sit down.
Visual representation of "run out of steam" - To become tired; to lose energy or vitality; to gradually decrease in power or effectiveness.

Often appears as...

  • feel like you're running out of steam
  • quickly run out of steam

Usage tips

Idiomatic

verb

To lose enthusiasm, interest, or momentum.

The project started with great promise, but seemed to run out of steam halfway through.
Visual representation of "run out of steam" - To lose enthusiasm, interest, or momentum.

Often appears as...

  • project ran out of steam
  • campaign is running out of steam

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "run out of steam"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Energy Depletion

Use when describing physical or mental tiredness after sustained effort or activity.

Illustration for Energy Depletion
She had been studying all week for her exams and finally ran out of steam.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Informal Expression

Best suited for casual conversation rather than formal settings.

Illustration for Informal Expression
I wanted to finish painting the house today, but I've run out of steam.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Waning Interest

Can imply lost interest due to fatigue, not only physical exhaustion.

Illustration for Waning Interest
I was excited about learning to play the guitar, but I've run out of steam.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Energy Depletion

Use when describing physical or mental tiredness after sustained effort or activity.

Illustration for Energy Depletion
She had been studying all week for her exams and finally ran out of steam.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Informal Expression

Best suited for casual conversation rather than formal settings.

Illustration for Informal Expression
I wanted to finish painting the house today, but I've run out of steam.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Waning Interest

Can imply lost interest due to fatigue, not only physical exhaustion.

Illustration for Waning Interest
I was excited about learning to play the guitar, but I've run out of steam.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Energy Depletion

Use when describing physical or mental tiredness after sustained effort or activity.

Illustration for Energy Depletion
She had been studying all week for her exams and finally ran out of steam.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Informal Expression

Best suited for casual conversation rather than formal settings.

Illustration for Informal Expression
I wanted to finish painting the house today, but I've run out of steam.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Waning Interest

Can imply lost interest due to fatigue, not only physical exhaustion.

Illustration for Waning Interest
I was excited about learning to play the guitar, but I've run out of steam.
Visual representation of the word "Run out of steam"

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