Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Deplete: meaning, definitions and examples

💧
Add to dictionary

deplete

 

[dɪˈpliːt ]

Definitions

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?

arrow down
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?

arrow down
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.