deplete
verb (used with object)
to decrease seriously or exhaust the abundance or supply of.
have been depleting
-
present perfect progressiveof deplete.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
The coping mechanisms of Ukrainian citizens have been depleting after months of war.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 5, 2023
They have been forced to feud over restrictions, they said, at the same time that cities in Arizona, experiencing breakneck population growth, have been depleting the state’s strained reservoirs.
From New York Times ● Oct. 2, 2021
Because of the peculiar status of the Fox Brothers baggage stock—whose numbers have been depleting all afternoon—I’ve seen for myself that they were fed and watered.
From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen
