sputtering out
Losing steam gradually
Sputtering out describes something losing momentum and failing to continue—an engine sputtering out as it runs dry, a candle sputtering out as the wick drowns in wax, a conversation sputtering out when no one knows what to say next.
The image is of irregular, faltering bursts before complete cessation: The rally sputtered out after the first few speeches.
Unlike a sudden stop, sputtering out suggests gradual, undignified failure.
- burnoutChronic occupational depletion
- burning outDepleting through overuse
- decayGradual organic breakdown
- winding downGradually decreasing toward conclusion
- failureLack of success
fading · running on empty · dissipation · petering out · losing steam · waning · fatigue · decline · depletion · running out of gas · on its last legs · obsolescence · exhaustion · stagnation · flickering · fizzling out · dying down · disengagement
sputtering outsurging
Rising with sudden force
firing up · ramping up · picking up steam · taking off · accelerating
sputtering outgoing strong
Continuing vigorously, undiminished
keeping going · sustaining · persisting · thriving · flourishing
sputter, sputters, sputtered, sputtering, outing, outer, outward, outermost