Exhaust: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is often used to describe a state of being completely drained of energy, physically or mentally. It is typically used in a more general sense.

• After running the marathon, he felt completely exhausted.
• All the studying for exams really exhausted her.

This phrase is typically used in casual conversation to describe something or someone causing another to feel tired. It is generally less intense than 'exhaust'.

• Playing with the kids all day can really tire you out.
• The long meeting really tired him out.

This term often has a negative connotation and implies being overly used or worn down over time. It can describe both physical objects and feelings.

• These old shoes are completely worn out.
• She felt worn out after dealing with constant problems at work.

Fatigue is commonly associated with ongoing tiredness that affects both physical and mental activities. It is often mentioned in medical or scientific contexts.

• Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that makes people feel extremely tired.
• Working long hours every day led to severe fatigue.

This word is often used when talking about completely using up a resource, idea, or options, leaving nothing left. It can also mean making someone extremely tired.

• They exhausted all their savings on the project.
• Running a marathon will exhaust you if you're not trained.

Typically used when talking about eating, drinking, or using resources, especially over a period of time. It can also imply large amounts being used up.

• Americans consume a lot of fast food.
• This new process consumes more energy than the old one.

Often used in formal or scientific contexts when talking about resources being reduced significantly or completely.

• Overfishing has depleted the oceans of many species.
• The budget has been severely depleted by unexpected costs.

Informal way of saying that all of something has been used, typically focusing on the complete usage or depletion.

• Don't use up all the milk; we need some for breakfast.
• She quickly used up her phone's battery playing games.

Used when talking about completely using up a resource or giving someone a task that drains their energy. Can have a negative connotation implying tiredness or depletion.

• The marathon exhausted all of his energy.
• They exhausted their funds during the trip.

Used when talking about examining or investigating something in detail but often in a more open-ended or less formal way than 'investigate thoroughly'.

• The research team decided to explore fully the new possibilities in renewable energy.
• They planned to explore fully the historical sites during their vacation.

Used in formal settings, especially in legal, scientific, and academic contexts, indicating a detailed and complete examination of facts or data.

• The police promised to investigate thoroughly the circumstances of the crime.
• Scientists need to investigate thoroughly any new claims before accepting them as facts.

Used in academic or professional settings when discussing thorough and complete consideration of a topic or issue.

• The committee needs to consider exhaustively all the potential risks before making a decision.
• She considered the proposal exhaustively before giving her approval.