exhaustion

noun

ex·​haus·​tion ig-ˈzȯs-chən 

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

Synonyms

• 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

The exhaustion and boredom is certainly a factor, but these books just aren’t making a strong case for themselves anymore. —James Folta, Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2025

Between stress, shame, emotional disconnection, the current state of the world being challenging, and just plain exhaustion, desire can come and go. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 5 Aug. 2025

The stock could reach zero due to cash exhaustion, technology obsolescence, competitive defeat, partnership collapse, or market timing failure. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025

This matter of loss exhaustion brings me to the first caveat about fancified indexing. —William Baldwin, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025

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