exhaust
verb (used with object)
to drain of strength or energy, wear out, or fatigue greatly, as a person.
was exhausting
-
past progressiveof exhaust.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
"It was exhausting for us, so I dread to think how poor Marigold felt."
From BBC ● Feb. 27, 2026
The routine was exhausting, and the constant pressure on my feet eventually gave me plantar fasciitis.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 4, 2025
Acts like Khruangbin, Bright Eyes, Wet Leg, Jackson Browne and Fiona Apple have played their concerts, but it was exhausting managing and rebuilding new concert setups night after night.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 3, 2025
She recently found a job — but as is the case for many Americans, the search was exhausting, frustrating and longer than expected.
From Salon ● May 3, 2025
It didnt snow again but the snow in the road was six inches deep and pushing the cart up those grades was exhausting work.
From "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy
