spent

adjective

ˈspent 

1

a

: used up : consumed

b

: exhausted of active or required components or qualities often for a particular purpose

spent nuclear fuel

2

: drained of energy or effectiveness : exhausted

3

: exhausted of spawn or sperm

spent fishes

Synonyms of spent

• exhausted
• tired
• drained
• weary
• done

Examples of spent in a Sentence

he plopped down in his chair, completely spent, and then fell asleep

Recent Examples on the Web

Sure, said Grejo, flinging the spent syringe into the fire. —Jonathan Miles, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026

But because the United States still has no permanent repository for spent fuel, we have been left with no other option. —Mike Levin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026

According to the report, detectives eventually found a spent bullet casing outside in the driveway. —Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 15 Dec. 2025

Substitute espresso powder with spent coffee grounds in your recipe. —Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from past participle of spenden to spend

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing spent

• a spent force
• well spent

Rhymes for spent

• bent
• blent
• cent
• ent
• fent
• lent
• meant
• pent
• rent
• rente
• scent
• sent

Kids Definition

spent

adjective

ˈspent 

1

: used up

2

: drained of energy