Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that develops when prolonged stress outpaces a person’s ability to recover. It often shows up as chronic fatigue, irritability, reduced concentration, detachment from work or relationships, and a growing sense that even ordinary demands feel overwhelming. Unlike ordinary tiredness, burnout tends to erode motivation and meaning over time, leaving people feeling depleted, cynical, or ineffective. For many high-functioning professionals, burnout can be difficult to recognize because they continue performing while internally running on empty.