Draining: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.