exhaustion

noun

ex·​haus·​tion ig-ˈzȯs-chən 

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

Synonyms of exhaustion

• fatigue

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 birding is joining a Gen Z analog hobby boom as more young people are trying to go offline after the screen exhaustion of the pandemic, technology has also played a role in making birding more accessible. — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2026

While Simpson notes that most people, in the face of exhaustion, are given a bit of grace, that same courtesy isn’t always extended to those in the spotlight. — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 22 Aug. 2026

And Software Finder’s survey found that nearly half of workers who fake productivity say the pressure to appear busy has contributed to their burnout or exhaustion. — Barnaby Lashbrooke, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Burnout is a state of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged or repeated stress that leaves people feeling overwhelmed, emotionally depleted and unable to keep up with ongoing demands. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 21 Aug. 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