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

While the celebrations can be cheerful, planning and attending them can lead to exhaustion and burnout. —Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 29 Nov. 2024

Lamar mirrors Nas’s slow build to a scabrous eruption, followed by exhaustion. —Jon Caramanica, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2024

The Trump news cycle, which is buoying up bitcoin, is about to hit an exhaustion phase. —Clem Chambers, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024

But exhaustion from poor sleep increases hunger hormones, intensifying food cravings, Cooksey notes. —Matt Fuchs, TIME, 21 Nov. 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