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 Competitive Advantage Of Mentally Healthy Leadership Symptoms of leadership burnout can include fatigue, decreased cognitive function and emotional exhaustion. —Kumar Abhishek Narayan, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025

Sashay’s other trademark, beyond the glasses and the perpetual sense of exhaustion, is her endearing, distinctively scratchy voice. —Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025

The doc charts the journey of Swiss explorer Bertrand Piccard and British flight instructor Brian Jones who set off to circumnavigated the globe in a hot-air balloon and faced extreme weather conditions, technical failures and exhaustion. —Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 15 Sep. 2025

Founders cited financial stress and income instability as major concerns, with 68% uncertain about meeting payroll or personal expenses, leading to exhaustion. —Samantha Dewalt, Fortune, 12 Sep. 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