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Deplete: meaning, definitions and examples

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deplete

 

[ dɪˈpliːt ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

resources

To use up the supply or resources of something. To greatly reduce the amount or quantity of something.

Synonyms

consume, diminish, drain, exhaust.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
deplete

Refer to a gradual reduction of resources, especially natural or valuable resources, to a level that is unsustainable or critical.

  • Overfishing has severely depleted the fish population in the lake.
  • The constant use of antibiotics can deplete important gut bacteria.
exhaust

Imply the complete use-up of resources or to cause extreme fatigue, often indicating a negative outcome.

  • Walking up the steep hill completely exhausted me.
  • The rigorous training schedule will exhaust all your energy.
consume

Imply the use or intake of resources or materials completely, often in terms of food, energy, or products.

  • Modern appliances consume a lot of electricity.
  • She consumes a lot of books every month.
diminish

Refer to a reduction in size, importance, or intensity of something, often in a gradual or imperceptible way.

  • His influence in the company has diminished over the years.
  • The pain started to diminish after taking the medication.
drain

Used to describe the removal of a large amount of liquid or resources, often leaving something empty or dry, and sometimes metaphorically for energy or resources.

  • The pool needs to be drained before cleaning.
  • Long meetings can really drain your energy.

Examples of usage

  • The constant deforestation is depleting the earth's natural resources.
  • The ongoing drought has depleted the water supply in the region.
  • We need to find sustainable solutions to prevent depleting our planet's resources.
  • The excessive fishing practices are depleting the fish population in the ocean.
  • The overuse of pesticides is depleting the soil quality in agricultural areas.
Context #2 | Noun

biology

A reduction in the number or quantity of something, especially a natural resource.

Synonyms

depletion, diminution, exhaustion, reduction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
deplete

Use 'deplete' when referring to the consumption or use up of resources or supplies, often to the point of reducing availability.

  • The long drought will deplete the reservoir
  • Excessive logging has depleted the forest
exhaustion

Use 'exhaustion' when referring to complete use up or weariness, often leaving nothing left. It can also mean extreme tiredness.

  • The marathon runners were near exhaustion by the finish line
  • The exhaustion of the battery left the car stranded
diminution

Use 'diminution' when describing a reduction in size, extent, or importance of something.

  • There has been a noticeable diminution in the population of the area
  • The diminution of his influence was obvious
depletion

Use 'depletion' when talking about the state or process of being used up or significantly reduced in quantity.

  • Oil depletion is a serious concern for the global economy
  • The depletion of natural resources is alarming
reduction

Use 'reduction' for a broad sense of decreasing or lessening quantities, typically in a more neutral or positive context.

  • The reduction in crime is a positive development for the city
  • There has been a significant reduction in costs due to the new policy

Examples of usage

  • The depletion of the ozone layer is a major environmental concern.
  • The rapid depletion of fish stocks in the ocean is alarming.
  • The depletion of nutrients in the soil is affecting crop growth.

Translations

Translations of the word "deplete" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desgastar

🇮🇳 ख़त्म करना

🇩🇪 erschöpfen

🇮🇩 menguras

🇺🇦 виснажувати

🇵🇱 wyczerpać

🇯🇵 使い果たす (tsukaihatasu)

🇫🇷 épuiser

🇪🇸 agotar

🇹🇷 tüketmek

🇰🇷 고갈시키다 (gogalsikida)

🇸🇦 يستنزف

🇨🇿 vyčerpat

🇸🇰 vyčerpať

🇨🇳 耗尽 (hàojìn)

🇸🇮 izčrpati

🇮🇸 þreyta

🇰🇿 сарқылту

🇬🇪 გამოწურვა

🇦🇿 tükənmək

🇲🇽 agotar

Etymology

The word 'deplete' originated from the Latin word 'deplētus', which means 'emptied out' or 'reduced'. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-15th century. Over time, 'deplete' has been used to describe the act of exhausting or using up a resource or quantity. The concept of depletion is often associated with environmental issues and resource management.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,839, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.