sputtered out
Lost all momentum
Sputtered out describes something that failed or stopped functioning after a series of weak, irregular efforts—like an engine making fitful noises before dying.
A campaign that sputtered out lost momentum gradually rather than ending abruptly.
A conversation sputtered out when neither party could sustain it.
The image comes from the irregular popping sounds of a flame or motor losing fuel.
- splutterSpeak confusedly, in bursts
- mumbledSpoke indistinctly
- fizzledFailed after promising start
- failedDid not succeed
- gave up the ghostDied or stopped functioning
exhausted · lost momentum · faded · ebbed · faltered · extinguished · petered out · stammered · stalled · dimmed · dissipated · waned · wound down · eroded · conked out · drained · ran dry · subsided
sputtered outswitched off
Made inactive by toggle
powered down · terminated · halted · wrapped up · signed off
sputtered outsurged
Increased suddenly and forcefully
exploded · revved up · intensified · ramped up · accelerated
sputtered outfired up
Extremely enthusiastic and motivated
started up · ignited · kicked off · launched · got going
sputter, sputtered, sputtering, sputters, outing, outer, outward, outermost