deplete

American  

[dih-pleet] / dɪˈplit /

verb (used with object)

depleted, depleting

1. to decrease seriously or exhaust the abundance or supply of.

   The fire had depleted the game in the forest. Extravagant spending soon depleted his funds.

   Synonyms:

   lessen, consume, reduce, drain

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deplete British  

/ dɪˈpliːt /

verb

1. to use up (supplies, money, energy, etc); reduce or exhaust

2. to empty entirely or partially

3. med to empty or reduce the fluid contents of (an organ or vessel)

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Other Word Forms

• depletable adjective
• depletion noun
• depletive adjective
• depletory adjective
• nondepletable adjective
• nondepletion noun
• nondepletive adjective
• nondepletory adjective
• predeplete verb (used with object)
• predepletion noun
• undepleted adjective

Etymology

Origin of deplete

1800–10; < Latin dēplētus empty (past participle of dēplēre to empty out), equivalent to dē- de- + plē ( re ) to fill + -tus past participle suffix

Explanation

To deplete is to use up or consume a limited resource. Visiting relatives might deplete your refrigerator of food, or a pestering friend might deplete your patience. The verb deplete is used like “to drain.” A long, exhausting day can deplete your body of energy and a summer drought can deplete a region’s water supply. If you deplete your body of hydration after a lot of exercise, be sure to replete yourself with a nice glass of water.

Example Sentences

If constrained supply persists long enough to deplete buffers—potentially beyond about six weeks—manufacturers could face tighter allocations and higher procurement costs, Fitch Ratings said in a recent note.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

However, recent warmer temperatures this winter and extreme wind events have beaten down the wildflowers and signaled that summer is approaching, which can deplete the bloom, according to Fraga.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

That way, you don’t have to withdraw money from a declining portfolio, a surefire way to deplete your savings quicker.

From Barron's • Mar. 6, 2026

You’re right that your mother’s healthcare needs may deplete much of their savings.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 27, 2026

And wind and solar require almost no water to operate and thus do not pollute water resources or further deplete the water supply by competing with agriculture, drinking water systems, or other water needs.

From "1919 The Year That Changed America" by Martin W. Sandler

Related Words

• bankrupt
• decrease
• diminish
• drain
• empty
• expend
• impoverish
• lessen
• reduce
• sap
• squander
• undermine
• use up
• weaken