flameout: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal (technical), Informal (extended)
Quick answer
What does “flameout” mean?
A sudden, total failure of a jet engine in flight due to the extinction of its flame.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sudden, total failure of a jet engine in flight due to the extinction of its flame.
A sudden, complete, and often spectacular failure or collapse of any system, process, project, or person's performance or career.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both varieties, primarily in technical aviation contexts. The metaphorical extension is more common in American English, particularly in business and sports journalism.
Connotations
Strongly negative, implying catastrophic, often sudden failure after a period of operation or success. In American usage, it can carry a tone of sensationalism or schadenfreude.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English, especially in business media (e.g., 'startup flameout') and sports commentary. In British English, the metaphorical use is recognized but less frequent; terms like 'collapse' or 'meltdown' might be preferred.
Grammar
How to Use “flameout” in a Sentence
[Subject] suffers/experiences a flameout[Subject] results in/causes a flameoutThe flameout of [Project/Person/Company]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flameout” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The prototype's engine was prone to flame out during extreme manoeuvres.
- After the scandal, his political ambitions flamed out spectacularly.
American English
- The startup flamed out after burning through its Series A funding.
- The quarterback's career flamed out due to repeated injuries.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
American English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The flameout risk was assessed as critical.
- They analysed the flameout characteristics of the new design.
American English
- He was labeled a flameout quarterback by the press.
- The flameout CEO gave a rare interview.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the sudden, high-profile failure of a company, startup, or product launch after initial hype or investment.
Academic
Used in engineering and aviation studies to describe the technical phenomenon. Rare in humanities/social sciences.
Everyday
Informally used to describe someone whose career or performance has collapsed dramatically (e.g., a sports star, a celebrity).
Technical
Specifically denotes the failure of a jet engine's combustion process during operation, often due to fuel starvation or adverse flight conditions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flameout”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “flameout”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flameout”
- Confusing 'flameout' with 'blowout' (which implies explosive failure). Using it for minor, gradual failures rather than sudden, total ones. Misspelling as 'flame out' (verb phrase) when the noun is needed.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a noun (the main entry), it is one word: 'flameout'. The verb phrase is written as two words: 'to flame out'.
Yes, especially in American informal usage. It describes someone who fails dramatically after showing great promise, often in sports, entertainment, or business (e.g., 'a flameout athlete').
Both imply catastrophic failure. 'Flameout' suggests a sudden extinguishing (abrupt stop), while 'meltdown' suggests an uncontrolled, often chaotic, overheating and collapse over a short period.
It was initially considered journalistic or business jargon but is now widely accepted in informal and business registers, particularly in American English. It retains an informal, vivid tone.
A sudden, total failure of a jet engine in flight due to the extinction of its flame.
Flameout is usually formal (technical), informal (extended) in register.
Flameout: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfleɪmaʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfleɪmˌaʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “go up in flames (related conceptually)”
- “crash and burn”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a rocket's flame suddenly going OUT. Flame + Out = a sudden end to power and forward motion.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUCCESS IS FIRE/COMBUSTION, FAILURE IS EXTINCTION.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'flameout' used in its most literal, technical sense?