Wordnet 3.0
NOUN (2)
1. 
 the failure of a jet engine caused by an interruption of the fuel supply or by faulty combustion; 
2. 
 a complete or conspicuous failure; 
- Example: "the spectacular flame-out of the company's stock cost many people their life savings"
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
flame-out
    n 1: the failure of a jet engine caused by an interruption of
         the fuel supply or by faulty combustion
    2: a complete or conspicuous failure; "the spectacular flame-out
       of the company's stock cost many people their life savings"