sputter out
Fail while sputtering
To sputter out is to end weakly or gradually, losing momentum before stopping completely.
An engine sputters out when it coughs and dies.
A conversation sputters out when it trails into silence.
The campaign sputtered out after the scandal.
The image comes from a flame or motor making irregular sounds as it fails.
Fail after promising start
- stallEnclosed compartment or delay
- collapseSudden structural failure
- falterLose momentum or steadiness
- founderOne who begins something
flounder · abort · misfire · malfunction · backfire · crumble · disintegrate · fall apart
fizzle
Fail after promising start
- stallEnclosed compartment or delay
- collapseSudden structural failure
- falterLose momentum or steadiness
founder · flounder · abort · misfire · malfunction · backfire · crumble · disintegrate · fall apart · break down
fade
Lose intensity gradually
dwindle · weaken · taper off · trail off · wind down · die down · lose steam · flag · languish · wilt
stall
Enclosed compartment or delay
die · idle · backfire · seize up · overheat · flood · vapor lock · run dry · quit