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

One thing to keep in mind, though, is to always deadhead their spent blooms, which will encourage further growth. —Haniya Rae, Martha Stewart, 1 Mar. 2026

The Windmill industry needs to be held accountable for their industrial waste of spent blades...... —Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026

Remove the spent flowering spikes so the plant can direct its energy toward new growth and eventual blooms. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 2 Feb. 2026

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