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 breeds feelings of frustration and emotional exhaustion. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2025

Where there is affection, there is also exhaustion. —Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 23 Jan. 2025

However, exhaustion from the long-haul flight prompted him to explore an alternative: an Uber. —John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025

Even a flawless race pounds a rider into exhaustion. —Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025

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