exhaustion
Americannoun
-
the act or process of exhausting.
-
the state of being exhausted.
-
extreme weakness or fatigue.
-
the total consumption of something.
the exhaustion of your vacation benefits for the year.
noun
-
extreme tiredness; fatigue
-
the condition of being used up; consumption
exhaustion of the earth's resources
-
the act of exhausting or the state of being exhausted
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of exhaustion
First recorded in 1640–50, exhaustion is from the New Latin word exhaustiōn- (stem of exhaustiō ). See exhaust, -ion
Explanation
Exhaustion is a state of being incredibly tired. Running a marathon on a hot day often results in exhaustion. Your exhaustion might be due to physical fatigue, after shoveling snow for hours or chasing after your runaway dog, or mental tiredness. A terrible argument with your best friend can lead to exhaustion, for example. Another kind of exhaustion is caused by illness or general weakness. Exhaustion comes from the verb exhaust, "a drawing off," specifically of strength. from the Latin exhaurire, "draw off" or "take away."
Vocabulary lists containing exhaustion
A Single Shard
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Adrift
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
While exhaustion is often blamed on stress or lack of sleep, researchers say poor nutrition may also play an important role.
From Science Daily • May 29, 2026
The merrymaking, though, ends in desolation, as the guests, including Betty herself, drop in exhaustion.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026
"We are still living in tents with no atmosphere of joy, only worries, fear, and exhaustion, without any of the happiness we once knew," she said.
From Barron's • May 27, 2026
Some described the loneliness, exhaustion and isolation which comes from their caring duties.
From BBC • May 24, 2026
She stares ahead in a haze of exhaustion.
From "Across So Many Seas" by Ruth Behar
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
