exhaustion

noun

ex·​haus·​tion ig-ˈzȯs-chən 

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

Synonyms of exhaustion

• fatigue

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

Replace Judgment With Curiosity Many neurodivergent employees mask their traits to blend in, which leads to burnout and exhaustion. — Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Economic exhaustion and an atmosphere of fear have left virtually no part of Iranian existence untouched. — Greg Dixon, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026

That means, for example, Jason and Lucia can gain or lose weight, build muscle and incur physical markers of exhaustion. — Angela Yang, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026

The record-setting deployment has fueled reports of deteriorating mental health, exhaustion and shortages of basic supplies, highlighting the human toll of extended carrier operations in a distant war zone. — Jintamas Saksornchai, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

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