exhaust
verb (used with object)
to drain of strength or energy, wear out, or fatigue greatly, as a person.
had exhausted
-
past perfectof exhaust.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
Karen Davey, 41, had exhausted every avenue before turning to social media, where she said she did not "want to leave her family without a mother".
From BBC ● Sep. 16, 2026
Once he had exhausted all means of appeal in February for his EU request for protection, he decided to try his luck outside the bloc -- by crossing the Channel from France to the UK.
From Barron's ● Aug. 5, 2026
Now, Hampshire’s president and board chair said the school had exhausted all other options, including land sales and refinancing existing debt.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 16, 2026
McLaughlin, the DHS spokesperson, said there was no reason for the government to reconsider her case, since Khan had a final removal order since 1999 and had exhausted all appeals.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 6, 2026
They had paid the tuition for the first term and bought the uniforms and had exhausted their savings.
From "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell
