Exhausted: meaning, definitions and examples

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exhausted

 

[ɪɡˈzɔːstɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling tired or drained of energy

Feeling exhausted is a common experience after a long day of work or a strenuous workout. It is characterized by a lack of physical and mental energy, often accompanied by feelings of fatigue and weariness. This state of exhaustion can impact one's ability to concentrate, make decisions, and perform everyday tasks effectively.

Synonyms

drained, fatigued, spent, weary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
exhausted

Use when someone is extremely tired, usually after a lot of physical or mental effort.

  • After running the marathon, she was completely exhausted.
  • He felt exhausted after studying for his exams all night.
fatigued

Used in more formal or medical contexts, referring to physical or mental weariness.

  • She was fatigued from working late nights.
  • The doctor explained that chronic fatigue could be a symptom of an underlying condition.
weary

Use when someone feels tired, especially after a long period of hard work or if they are becoming tired of something repetitive.

  • The weary travelers finally arrived at their destination.
  • He felt weary of the endless meetings.
spent

Used when someone has used up all their energy, often indicating they can’t do any more.

  • After cleaning the house all day, he felt completely spent.
  • She was spent after a long day of heavy lifting.
drained

Used when someone feels tired and without energy, often due to emotional or mental stress.

  • She felt drained after the long and stressful meeting.
  • The constant arguing left him emotionally drained.

Examples of usage

  • I was so exhausted after running a marathon that I could barely walk.
  • After pulling an all-nighter studying for exams, I felt completely exhausted the next day.
Context #2 | Verb

to make someone feel extremely tired

To exhaust someone is to deplete their energy or resources to the point of extreme fatigue. This can be done through physical exertion, mental strain, or emotional stress. When someone is exhausted, they may feel physically weak, mentally drained, and emotionally overwhelmed.

Synonyms

deplete, drain, sap, wear out.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
exhausted

Used to describe a person who is extremely tired or has used up all their energy. It can also refer to resources that have been completely used up.

  • After running the marathon, he was completely exhausted.
  • The country’s oil reserves are almost exhausted.
drain

Refers to removing or reducing energy, resources, or substances, usually completely or almost completely. It can be used both literally and metaphorically.

  • The long meeting drained her energy.
  • He drained the water from the sink.
deplete

Commonly used to describe the reduction of resources or supplies to a low level. It often implies a gradual process and has a slightly formal tone.

  • Overfishing has depleted the fish population in the area.
  • Frequent withdrawals have depleted his bank account.

Examples of usage

  • The long hike completely exhausted me.
  • The demands of the job exhausted him both physically and mentally.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'exhaustus,' which means 'to drain out,' reflecting the feeling of being completely drained of energy.
  • It entered English in the late 14th century, initially related to physical fatigue before expanding to mental exhaustion.
  • The prefix 'ex-' implies 'out' or 'from,' while 'haust' comes from 'haurire,' meaning 'to draw' or 'to pour.'

Psychology

  • Mental exhaustion, similar to physical tiredness, can affect decision-making and emotional regulation.
  • Chronic exhaustion may lead to burnout, a state where individuals feel overwhelmed, and can affect overall health.
  • The American Psychological Association recognizes stress as a significant cause of feelings of exhaustion, emphasizing the importance of self-care.

Health

  • Sleep deprivation is a common cause of feeling exhausted and can lead to various health issues, including weakened immunity.
  • Physical activity can both cause short-term exhaustion but promote overall energy levels in the long-term if balanced properly.
  • Hydration also plays a crucial role; being dehydrated can contribute to fatigue and exhaustion.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and books often depict characters overcoming exhaustion through triumph, showcasing resilience and the human spirit.
  • The phrase 'I'm exhausted' has become a popular way to express both physical tiredness and emotional fatigue due to modern life's demands.
  • Social media reflects the common experience of exhaustion, with hashtags like #TiredAF becoming a way for people to connect over shared feelings.

Translations

Translations of the word "exhausted" in other languages:

🇵🇹 exausto

🇮🇳 थका हुआ

🇩🇪 erschöpft

🇮🇩 kelelahan

🇺🇦 виснажений

🇵🇱 wyczerpany

🇯🇵 疲れた (tsukareta)

🇫🇷 épuisé

🇪🇸 agotado

🇹🇷 yorgun

🇰🇷 지친 (jichin)

🇸🇦 مرهق (murahiq)

🇨🇿 vyčerpaný

🇸🇰 vyčerpaný

🇨🇳 筋疲力尽 (jīn pí lì jìn)

🇸🇮 izčrpan

🇮🇸 úrvinda

🇰🇿 шаршаған

🇬🇪 დაღლილი (daghlili)

🇦🇿 yorğun

🇲🇽 agotado

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,531, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.