heat exhaustion

American  

noun

1. a condition characterized by faintness, rapid pulse, nausea, profuse sweating, cool skin, and collapse, caused by prolonged exposure to heat accompanied by loss of adequate fluid and salt from the body.

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heat exhaustion British  

noun

1. Also called: heat prostration.  a condition resulting from exposure to intense heat, characterized by dizziness, abdominal cramp, and prostration Compare heatstroke

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Etymology

Origin of heat exhaustion

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

During a heat wave, there are three conditions to watch out for: dehydration; heat exhaustion, which can be characterized by headaches and nausea; and the more serious heatstroke.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 30, 2026

Though this is particularly dangerous for vulnerable people, it can put healthy individuals at risk too, leading to poor sleep, cardiovascular stress and a greater risk for heat exhaustion in subsequent days.

From BBC • Jun. 24, 2026

However, even in younger and healthier people there is a risk of health conditions such as sunstroke and heat exhaustion.

From BBC • Jun. 19, 2026

Speaking from a hospital room in the Mina camp, where authorities treat pilgrims for heat exhaustion, the health ministry's Jameel Abualenain said he was mainly concerned "about rising temperatures" affecting pilgrims.

From Barron's • May 25, 2026

At first, I thought he just had heat exhaustion or something.

From "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie