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

This led many to assume that the Swedish DJ’s previous health struggles — including acute pancreatitis, gallbladder and appendix surgery, alcohol abuse and exhaustion — were to blame. —Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 31 Dec. 2024

Finally, working from home can lead to stress and exhaustion. —Erik Pham, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024

People start leaving his rallies early out of exhaustion and boredom. —ABC News, 29 Dec. 2024

Today, two, three and sometimes even five cameras are used on every shot, yet shooting days are equally as long, pushing a workforce into repetitive and escalating labor that leads to low morale and exhaustion. —Diane Farr, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing exhaustion

• heat exhaustion

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