Definition

1. Verb:
   • To reach or exceed a maximum limit or capacity: The phrase "max out" means to use something to its fullest possible extent, often until no more is available or allowed. It commonly refers to reaching the limit on financial resources like credit cards, but can apply to other limits.
   • To perform at one's peak or to the utmost: In informal contexts, it can also mean to exert maximum effort, especially in physical training.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • I had to max out my credit card to pay for the emergency car repairs. (I used my credit card until I reached its spending limit.)
  • Be careful not to max out your data plan this month. (Be careful not to use all the data allowed by your plan.)
  • During the final set, the athlete maxed out and couldn't lift any more weight. (The athlete exerted their maximum possible effort.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be maxed out": To be in a state where a limit has been fully reached or exceeded.
  • After the holiday shopping, all my cards are maxed out. (My credit cards have no available credit left.)
• "maxing out": The process or action of reaching a maximum.
  • Maxing out your retirement contributions every year is a smart financial goal. (Using the maximum allowed amount for retirement savings each year.)

Variants and Related Words

• Maximum (n/adj): The greatest or highest amount possible.
  • He was driving at the maximum speed allowed.
• Max (v, informal): A shortened, informal verb form meaning to reach a maximum.
  • I think I'm going to max this credit line soon.

Synonyms

• Exhaust: To use up completely.
• Reach capacity: To arrive at the full amount something can hold or allow.
• Cap out (informal): To hit a ceiling or limit.

Related Phrasal Verbs / Constructions

• Run out of: To have no more of something left. (Note: This emphasizes depletion, while "max out" emphasizes hitting a set limit.)
  • We ran out of milk. (We used all the milk we had.)
• Use up: To consume something completely.
  • She used up all her vacation days. (She consumed all her allotted vacation time.)

Related Idioms

• To hit the ceiling/roof: To reach an upper limit, often used figuratively for prices or emotions.
  • Prices for housing have hit the ceiling in this city.
• At full throttle: Operating at maximum speed or capacity.
  • The factory is running at full throttle to meet demand. (This is similar to "maxed out" in terms of operational capacity.)

Verb

1. reach a maximum
   • I maxed out on all my credit cards