rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryexhaustionExtreme tiredness
noun

exhaustion

ig-ZAWS-chuhn/ɪɡˈzɔːstʃən/

The complete or near-complete depletion of a resource.

The runner's exhaustion leaves almost no energy for further movement.

An exhausted runner sits heavily on a low trackside bench, folded forward with limp arms, drooping shoulders, sweat-damp clothing, and a visibly spent expression.
Etymology
exLatinoff, out
+haustLatinto draw up water
+ionEnglishact or state

Drawing something out becomes a picture of draining away strength. Exhaustion names the resulting fatigue or depletion, as though a person's supply of energy had been drawn off.

In context

TED7:28
Your body could be begging for a break, but what do you do? You keep scrolling past the anxiety, scrolling past the exhaustion.
Sitting All Day Is Killing You — Here’s What to Do About It | Manoush Zomorodi | TED

More examples

  • The mine closes after the exhaustion of its coal reserves.
  • We ration our fuel to prevent its exhaustion.
  • Decades of intensive farming lead to soil exhaustion.

Forms

exhaust verb — To use up a resource completely.

exhausted adjective — Completely or almost completely used up.

Similar words

depletion
Can describe a substantial reduction without approaching complete exhaustion.