Synonyms of fatigue

fatigue 1 of 2

verb

as in to wear

to use up all the physical energy of

the rescue workers pressed on, though their efforts to reach the miners had almost completely fatigued them

Synonyms & Similar Words

• wear
• tire
• kill
• exhaust
• weary
• drain
• bust
• waste
• burn out
• break
• wash out
• harass
• knock out
• wear out
• outwear
• frazzle
• fag
• weaken
• tucker (out)
• wear to a frazzle
• debilitate
• sap
• do in
• enervate
• enfeeble
• do up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• strengthen
• activate
• energize
• rest
• relax
• invigorate
• rejuvenate
• vitalize
• unwind

fatigue

2 of 2

noun

fə-ˈtēg 

1

as in exhaustion

a complete depletion of energy or strength

the day-long battle against the blaze left firefighters in a state of utter fatigue

Synonyms & Similar Words

• exhaustion
• collapse
• weariness
• tiredness
• burnout
• weakness
• disablement
• faintness
• prostration
• lassitude
• frazzle
• feebleness
• impotence
• debility
• lethargy
• inertia
• infirmity
• debilitation
• enervation
• frailty
• slumber
• stupor
• sluggishness
• languor
• apathy
• listlessness
• enfeeblement
• frailness
• passivity
• overfatigue
• torpor
• torpidity
• passiveness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rejuvenation
• refreshment
• revitalization
• energy
• vigor
• vitality
• strength
• starch
• muscle
• power
• dash
• sap
• drive
• ginger
• pep
• bounce
• punch
• liveliness
• verve
• go
• potency
• zip
• snap
• vim
• zing
• rejuvenescence
• might
• vivacity
• puissance
• briskness
• spiritedness
• sprightliness
• jauntiness
• vivaciousness

2

as in effort

very hard or unpleasant work

although he had joined the army for action and adventure, much of his day seemed to be devoted to mindless fatigues

Synonyms & Similar Words

• effort
• labor
• sweat
• pains
• drudgery
• exertion
• toil
• slavery
• grind
• struggle
• drudge
• travail
• trouble
• responsibility
• donkeywork
• moil
• duty
• obligation
• job
• tedium
• chore
• spadework
• treadmill
• routine

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rest
• ease
• relaxation
• fun
• play
• leisure
• decompression
• amusement
• inertia
• recreation
• diversion
• repose
• entertainment
• inactivity
• sport
• idleness
• dormancy
• inertness
• dalliance
• loafing
• goldbricking
• lounging
• dallying
• lolling

Synonym Chooser

How is the word fatigue distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of fatigue are exhaust, jade, tire, and weary. While all these words mean "to make or become unable or unwilling to continue," fatigue suggests great lassitude from excessive strain or undue effort.

fatigued by the day's chores

When can exhaust be used instead of fatigue?

While in some cases nearly identical to fatigue, exhaust implies complete draining of strength by hard exertion.

shoveling snow exhausted him

When could jade be used to replace fatigue?

The words jade and fatigue can be used in similar contexts, but jade suggests the loss of all freshness and eagerness.

appetites jaded by overindulgence

When is tire a more appropriate choice than fatigue?

Although the words tire and fatigue have much in common, tire implies a draining of one's strength or patience.

the long ride tired us out

When might weary be a better fit than fatigue?

While the synonyms weary and fatigue are close in meaning, weary stresses tiring until one is unable to endure more of the same thing.

wearied of the constant arguing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of fatigue

Verb

Persistent headaches, scratchy throats and that foggy, fatigued feeling that never quite lifts may not be a virus or seasonal pollen. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 8 June 2026

Clark throws up, then goes off Fever star Caitlin Clark looked particularly fatigued during certain stretches and threw up at halftime. — James Boyd, New York Times, 5 June 2026

Noun

The illness can begin with flu-like symptoms, such as severe fatigue and body aches. — Erika Edwards, NBC news, 10 July 2026

Decisions made out of fatigue or impatience tend to come back at the worst possible time. — Janet M Harvey, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026