Fatigue Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fatigue

[fษ™หˆtiหษก ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

physical condition

Extreme tiredness resulting from mental or physical exertion or illness. It can be acute or chronic.

Synonyms

exhaustion, tiredness, weariness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fatigue

This word is often used in a medical or technical context to describe extreme tiredness, typically resulting from mental or physical exertion or illness. It is also used in various fields such as engineering to describe material stress.

  • After running the marathon, she experienced severe fatigue.
  • The metal beam failed due to fatigue over time.
exhaustion

This term implies complete weariness and is used when someone is extremely tired, both mentally and physically, often to the point of not being able to continue. It carries a more intense and sometimes negative connotation than 'tiredness.'

  • He collapsed from exhaustion after working for 48 hours straight.
  • By the end of the day, she was close to exhaustion.
weariness

This word often conveys a sense of being tired in a way that affects the spirit or morale, usually over a long period. It can suggest a deeper level of fatigue that includes mental or emotional fatigue.

  • After weeks of continuous travel, he felt a deep weariness.
  • Her weariness showed in her eyes after the difficult conversation.
tiredness

A general term that describes a normal feeling of needing rest or sleep. It doesn't imply the severity that 'exhaustion' or 'fatigue' does, making it suitable for everyday situations.

  • I feel a bit of tiredness after a long day at work.
  • She couldn't concentrate due to her tiredness.

Examples of usage

  • She was suffering from fatigue after working long hours without a break.
  • The soldier experienced fatigue after marching for miles in full gear.
Context #2 | Verb

cause to feel tired

To make someone feel extremely tired, especially as a result of mental or physical exertion.

Synonyms

exhaust, tire, weary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fatigue

Often used to describe a state of extreme tiredness, typically resulting from hard work or effort. This term is also common in medical or technical contexts.

  • After working a 12-hour shift, the nurse felt overwhelming fatigue.
  • Soldiers in combat can experience severe fatigue.
exhaust

Used to describe a severe depletion of energy or resources. Can be used in both physical and emotional contexts, often implying near-complete depletion.

  • The marathon runner was completely exhausted after crossing the finish line.
  • Trying to solve complex problems can exhaust one's mental energy.
weary

Often used to describe a state of tiredness that also has an emotional or psychological aspect. It implies a sense of worn-out from continuous exertion or stress.

  • He felt weary after days of dealing with constant pressure at work.
  • Traveling for hours on end left her feeling weary.
tire

A more casual way to describe becoming tired, usually due to repeated or prolonged activity. It's less intense than 'exhaust'.

  • Walking around the city all day can easily tire you out.
  • The children began to tire after hours of playing.

Examples of usage

  • The long hike fatigued the group of hikers.
  • The endless paperwork fatigued the office workers.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Health

  • Chronic fatigue can be a sign of underlying health issues, like anemia or sleep apnea.
  • Mental fatigue can affect concentration and decision-making, often causing burnout.
  • Adequate sleep, hydration, and nutrition are essential in managing fatigue levels.

Pop Culture

  • Fatigue has been portrayed in movies and literature as a characterโ€™s struggle, often leading to dramatic turning points.
  • Many fitness trends emphasize overcoming fatigue through proper routines and rest techniques.
  • Popular songs often reference fatigue as part of expressing the challenges of life and hard work.

Psychology

  • Mental fatigue occurs when cognitive resources are drained, impacting mood and productivity.
  • Studies show that taking breaks can significantly reduce feelings of fatigue and enhance problem-solving abilities.
  • Fatigue can also influence social interactions, making people more irritable and less patient.

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters often face fatigue after intense battles, symbolizing their struggle and resilience.
  • Fatigue is frequently used as a metaphor for emotional exhaustion in modern poetry.
  • Famous authors have written about the impact of fatigue on creativity and artistic expression.

Origin of 'fatigue'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'fatigue' comes from the Latin 'fatigare', which means 'to tire out'.
  • It was first used in English in the late 14th century, initially referring to physical exhaustion.
  • The term has evolved to encompass both physical and mental tiredness.

The word 'fatigue' originated from the French word 'fatiguer', which means 'to tire'. It first appeared in the English language in the 17th century. The concept of fatigue has been recognized for centuries, with early references to physical and mental exhaustion dating back to ancient civilizations.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,833, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.