exhaustion

noun

ex·​haus·​tion ig-ˈzȯs-chən 

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

Synonyms of exhaustion

• fatigue
• collapse

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 fact, the solar eclipse in Leo could shed light on everything from exhaustion and unconscious patterns to hidden resentments. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026

Ethernet inventor Bob Metcalfe, a Turing prize winner, reflected on building early networks and the challenge of digital exhaustion. — John Werner, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Tadej Pogačar won the race for the fifth time but there were myriad other stories as extreme heat, crashes, joy and exhaustion combined to create another unforgettable edition of the La Grande Boucle. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 28 July 2026

But with Cole’s absence, HOTD will lose a link to non-Targaryen opinions on the dance; in this third season, his beleaguered and weary soldier frequently reflected the realm’s widespread exhaustion with the ongoing war. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 27 July 2026

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