“Running on empty” is a phrase used to describe a situation where someone is exhausted, depleted, or functioning with very little energy or resources, but continues on regardless. It suggests that the person is pushing themselves to continue, despite being physically, emotionally, or mentally drained. This idiomatic expression is often used in the context of fatigue, whether it’s due to a lack of sleep, overwork, or emotional strain. In Indonesian, this could be expressed as kehabisan energi or kehilangan tenaga. Synonyms include: worn out, drained, exhausted, and burnt out.
10 Sentences Using “Running on Empty”:
- After working nonstop for 12 hours, I’m running on empty and need a break.
- She’s been dealing with so much lately; I can tell she’s running on empty.
- I haven’t had a good night’s sleep in days—I’m literally running on empty right now.
- He kept pushing through the project, but by the end of the day, he was running on empty.
- Running on empty, I barely made it through the meeting this afternoon.
- I’m going to need to rest soon; I’ve been running on empty all week.
- After a full day of back-to-back appointments, she was completely running on empty.
- He went for another run, but by the time he finished, he was running on empty.
- We’ve been working overtime all week, and now I feel like I’m running on empty.
- I’m not sure how much longer I can keep this up—I’m definitely running on empty.
10 Related Words:
- Exhausted
- Drained
- Worn out
- Fatigued
- Burnt out
- Depleted
- Weary
- Tired
- Overworked
- Empty
10 Phrasal Verbs Related to “Running on Empty”:
- Run out of steam
- Burn out
- Wear out
- Run low on energy
- Push through
- Drag oneself along
- Run down
- Keep going
- Power through
- Keep at it
10 Idiomatic Expressions Related to “Running on Empty”:
- At the end of one’s rope
- Running on fumes
- Out of gas
- Dead on one’s feet
- At rock bottom
- All out of energy
- Can’t go on much longer
- On the last leg
- Burn the candle at both ends
- Hitting the wall