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

The puzzle-like slats holding the barrel together, called staves, are often used in his creations, incorporated into cocktail muddlers and cigar rests, not to mention a recent life-size buffalo made from the spent barrel pieces. —Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026

The squad also presents families with three spent rifle cartridges representing the three volleys fired in recognition of their veteran’s service. —Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026

Deadheading is generally not necessary, however removing spent blooms may encourage additional flowering. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 4 May 2026

To prevent it from reseeding, make sure to cut branches with spent blooms. —Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 16 Apr. 2026

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