exhaustion

noun

ex·​haus·​tion ig-ˈzȯs-chən 

: the act or process of exhausting : the state of being exhausted

Synonyms

• burnout
• collapse
• fatigue
• frazzle
• lassitude
• prostration
• tiredness
• weariness

Examples of exhaustion in a Sentence

He worked to the point of complete exhaustion.

the exhaustion of our natural resources

Recent Examples on the Web

In that moment of grief and exhaustion, something shifted. —Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025

Breast cancer survivor Julie Swallow, 56, initially chalked up her exhaustion to being overworked. —Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025

The enthusiasm of early January often meets the exhaustion of late March. —Nell Derick Debevoise, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025

Workplace friendships can help offset job stress and exhaustion and contribute to mental health. —Megan Gerhardt, The Conversation, 25 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing exhaustion

• heat exhaustion

Rhymes for exhaustion

• faustian

Kids Definition

exhaustion

noun

ex·​haus·​tion ig-ˈzȯs-chən 

1

: the act of exhausting

2

: the state of being exhausted

Medical Definition

exhaustion

noun

ex·​haus·​tion ig-ˈzȯs-chən 

1

: the act or process of exhausting : the state of being exhausted

suffered from physical and mental exhaustion

see heat exhaustion

2

: neurosis following overstrain or overexertion especially in military combat

Legal Definition

exhaustion

noun

ex·​haus·​tion

: the act or process of exhausting

even after the exhaustion of direct appellate review

—W. R. LaFave and J. H. Israel

specifically : exhaustion of remedies