Draining Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜ฉ
Add to dictionary

draining

[หˆdreษชnษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

water

Causing someone to feel very tired or emotionally depleted.

Synonyms

exhausting, taxing, tiring, wearying.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
draining

Used to describe something that takes a lot of emotional or mental energy, leaving a person feeling depleted.

  • The constant arguments were emotionally draining for her.
  • He found the long meetings quite draining.
exhausting

Refers to something that uses up a lot of physical energy, leaving a person very tired.

  • Running the marathon was exhausting.
  • The move to the new house was an exhausting process.
taxing

Implies something that is challenging or demanding in a way that requires a lot of effort or concentration, and may mentally or physically wear a person out.

  • Preparing the project report was particularly taxing.
  • The advanced math problems were taxing on my brain.
wearying

Often used to describe something that causes a gradual buildup of tiredness, can be either mental or physical; carries a slightly negative connotation.

  • The waiting was wearying.
  • Listening to his complaints all day was wearying.
tiring

Describes something that makes a person feel tired, generally from exertion or effort, but not as intense as exhausting.

  • The long drive was tiring.
  • Helping out with the event was tiring.

Examples of usage

  • Her draining job left her exhausted every day.
  • The draining emotional toll of caring for a sick loved one can be overwhelming.
Context #2 | Verb

liquid

Removing water or other liquid from something.

Synonyms

draw off, empty, pump out, remove.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
draining

Not provided

empty

Use this word when talking about completely removing all contents (liquid, solid, or gas) from a container or space.

  • He emptied the trash can before putting in a new liner.
  • Please empty your pockets before going through security.
draw off

This term is typically used in technical or industrial situations where a specific amount of liquid or gas needs to be taken from a larger supply.

  • The technician drew off some of the coolant to test its quality.
  • They had to draw off some water from the tank to maintain the pressure.
pump out

This term is used when using a pump or similar device to remove large quantities of liquid, usually from a contained space like a tank or flooded area.

  • They had to pump out the basement after the flood.
  • The workers were pumping out the oil from the damaged vessel.
remove

This is a more general term that can be applied to taking something away or eliminating it from a particular location. It can refer to liquids, objects, or even abstract things like barriers.

  • The dentist removed the tooth with great care.
  • She removed the obstacle from the pathway to make it safe.

Examples of usage

  • He was draining the pasta before adding the sauce.
  • The plumber was draining the water from the pipes.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Emotionally draining experiences, like stress or conflict, can lead to fatigue and affect overall well-being.
  • Social interactions can be either energizing or draining, depending on personality types; introverts may find large crowds draining.
  • Mental tasks that require intense focus can also be draining, as they consume energy and attention.

Health

  • Physical activities like long-distance running can be draining, leading to muscle fatigue and depletion of energy stores.
  • Dehydration is often described as draining, as it reduces energy levels and can cause lethargy.
  • Certain health conditions, like chronic fatigue syndrome, can make everyday activities feel incredibly draining.

Environment

  • Natural drainage systems in landscapes help manage water flow, preventing floods but can also lead to erosion over time.
  • In construction, drainage is essential to prevent water from pooling and draining away the strength of foundations.
  • Wetlands play a critical role in natural drainage, supporting biodiversity while helping manage excess water.

Literature

  • In storytelling, characters often face draining experiences that lead to growth or development, emphasizing resilience.
  • Symbolism of draining in literature can represent loss, emotional struggle, or the passage of time, impacting character arcs.
  • Poets commonly use imagery related to draining to express feelings of emptiness or nostalgia.

Origin of 'draining'

The word 'draining' originates from the verb 'drain' which comes from the Old English 'drฤ“ahnian', meaning 'cause liquid to run off'. The concept of draining has been essential throughout history for various purposes such as agriculture, plumbing, and land reclamation.


See also: drain, drainage, drained, drainer.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,533, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.