Exhaustion: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'exhaustion' when describing a state of extreme physical or mental tiredness. It conveys a sense of being completely worn out to the point where normal functioning is difficult.

• She collapsed from sheer exhaustion after running the marathon
• He felt a deep exhaustion after weeks of heavy workload

Use 'fatigue' to describe a general condition of tiredness, often due to overexertion or lack of sleep. It can refer to both physical and mental exhaustion.

• Chronic fatigue can be a symptom of underlying health issues
• The soldiers suffered from severe fatigue after the long march

Use 'weariness' to describe a gentle, persistent state of tiredness, often associated with a sense of monotony or boredom. It conveys a slower, more drawn-out feeling of being tired.

• He felt a sense of weariness after the long, uneventful day at the office
• The weariness in her eyes was evident after years of working long hours

Use 'drained' to express a feeling of tiredness that is often more emotional or mental than purely physical. It conveys a sense of being depleted of energy or spirit.

• After dealing with the difficult customers all day, he felt completely drained
• She looked emotionally drained after the long, intense conversation

Use 'exhaustion' when describing a state of extreme physical or mental fatigue.

• After working for twelve hours straight, she was near exhaustion
• His constant travel schedule led to complete mental exhaustion

Use 'depletion' to describe the gradual reduction of the quantity or quality of a resource or supply.

• The constant use of fertilizers has led to soil depletion
• Forest depletion is a major environmental concern

Use 'consumption' when talking about the act of using up a resource, especially food, fuel, or energy.

• The country's oil consumption has doubled over the last decade
• Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to serious health issues

Use 'expenditure' when referring to the action of spending funds or the amount spent.

• The company's yearly expenditure on marketing is quite high
• They need to cut down on unnecessary expenditures

Use this word when referring to extreme tiredness or the state of being worn out. It usually has a negative connotation, indicating a severe depletion of energy or strength.

• After running the marathon, she collapsed from exhaustion.
• The long work hours led to his complete exhaustion.

This word is typically used in formal or ceremonial contexts, often referring to the act of making something complete or perfect. It might be used in legal or historical contexts as well.

• The consummation of the peace treaty marked the end of the conflict.
• Their marriage was considered official after the consummation.

This term is appropriate when talking about finishing a task, project, or process. It indicates that everything necessary has been done successfully.

• The completion of the new building is scheduled for June.
• She celebrated the completion of her thesis with her friends.

This word is used in contexts where final steps are taken to complete something, often involving administrative or detailed work. It suggests that the process is in its final stages.

• The finalization of the contract took several weeks.
• They are working on the finalization of the project report.