sleep-deprived

American  

[sleep-di-prahyvd] / ˈslip dɪˌpraɪvd /

adjective

1. affected by fatigue, weakness, impaired judgment, loss of mental alertness, etc., due to lack of sleep.

   I wasn’t going to wait in line overnight and then be in a store with 700 other sleep-deprived shoppers, any of whom could mentally snap and strangle me at any moment.

   If you know you’re going to have a sleep-deprived EEG, plan to have someone drive you to and from the test.

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Etymology

Origin of sleep-deprived

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

DUP MP Jim Shannon highlighted this lack of oversight a sector that predominantly caters for "sleep-deprived and vulnerable parents".

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

“Even my sleep-deprived, delirious 4-year-old was completely entranced,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

Probably because I’m sleep-deprived, I’m getting another matcha and a hot water with lemon.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

As expected, sleep-deprived participants performed significantly worse than when they were well-rested.

From Science Daily • Jan. 20, 2026

The next afternoon is a sleep-deprived blur of being painted and braided, corseted and cinched.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black