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Meaning of run on empty | Babel Free

Verb CEFR C1

Definitions

To be losing enthusiasm or willingness; to lack motivation.

idiomatic

Examples

“Near-synonyms: run on fumes, run out of steam”
“He has been running on empty for a while. It's likely the project will be canceled.”
“Doctors and nurses on the front lines are running on empty, under increasing duress as the pandemic surges and hospitals are overrun with patients.”

CEFR level

C1
Advanced
This word is part of the CEFR C1 vocabulary — advanced level.
See all C1 English words →

See also

run on fumes run one on run one's face run one's mouth run one's mouth off run one's name

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