Exhaustion
ɪɡˈzɔːstʃən
Definitions
2 meaningsA state of extreme tiredness or weariness, typically resulting from physical exertion or mental strain.
ɪɡˈzɔːstʃən
The state of extreme physical or mental fatigue.
The hikers suffered from exhaustion after several days without rest.
💡 Simply: Imagine you played all day long, and you're super tired, like you could fall asleep anywhere. That feeling is exhaustion! It’s when your body or brain says, 'I can't do any more!' For example, after a long hike, you might feel like you’re about to collapse from exhaustion, even though you are an energizer bunny.
👶 For kids: Being super, super tired, like when you play all day and don't want to do anything else.
More Examples
Mental exhaustion can be just as debilitating as physical exhaustion.
The doctor diagnosed her condition as chronic exhaustion.
How It's Used
"Symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, headache, and nausea."
"After the marathon, she collapsed from exhaustion."
The process of completely depleting or using up a resource or a supply.
ɪɡˈzɔːstʃən
The action of emptying or draining something completely.
The exhaustion of the oil reserves could lead to an energy crisis.
💡 Simply: This is like when something runs out completely. Imagine you have a box of cookies, and after everyone eats them, there are no cookies left – that’s exhaustion of the cookie supply!
👶 For kids: When something is all gone, used up, or empty.
More Examples
They are worried about the exhaustion of natural resources.
The drought led to the exhaustion of the water supply.
How It's Used
"The exhaustion of the reservoir led to water shortages."
"The environmental impact of the exhaustion of natural resources is a growing concern."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
Burnout
A state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged or excessive stress.
"After years of working in a high-pressure job, she experienced burnout."
run on empty
To continue functioning, especially emotionally or physically, when lacking energy or resources.
"She was running on empty after pulling an all-nighter to finish the project."
From Latin *exhaustio*, from *exhaurire* ('to draw out, empty'), from *ex-* ('out') + *haurire* ('to draw'). The word entered English in the 16th century.
The word 'exhaustion' has been used to describe both physical and emotional states of fatigue since the 16th century. Earlier uses often referenced depletion of resources or powers, which evolved to include the common modern senses of tiredness and weariness.
Memory tip
Imagine you've been running a marathon. Your body is telling you, 'Exhaustion!'