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run on empty. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
run on empty, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
run on empty in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
run on empty you have here. The definition of the word
run on empty will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
run on empty, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
An allusion to a vehicle operating with the fuel gauge pointing to empty or near empty, likely to stop running in the very near future.
Pronunciation
Verb
run on empty (third-person singular simple present runs on empty, present participle running on empty, simple past ran on empty, past participle run on empty)
- (idiomatic) To be losing enthusiasm or willingness; to lack motivation.
He has been running on empty for a while. It's likely the project will be canceled.
2020 November 25, Katherine J. Wu, “Covid Combat Fatigue: ‘I Would Come Home With Tears in My Eyes’”, in The New York Times, →ISSN:Doctors and nurses on the front lines are running on empty, under increasing duress as the pandemic surges and hospitals are overrun with patients.
See also