deplete

verb

de·​plete di-ˈplēt 

depleted; depleting; depletes

transitive verb

1

: to empty of a principal substance

The lake was depleted of water.

depleting the country of its natural resources

2

: to lessen markedly in quantity, content, power, or value

deplete our life savings

their depleted resources

depletable

di-ˈplē-tə-bəl 

adjective

depleter

di-ˈplē-tər 

noun

depletion

di-ˈplē-shən 

noun

depletive

di-ˈplē-tiv 

adjective

Did you know?

The de- prefix often means "do the opposite of", so deplete means the opposite of "fill". Thus, for example, a kitchen's food supplies can be rapidly depleted by hungry teenagers. But deplete often suggests something more serious. Desertions can deplete an army; layoffs can deplete an office staff; and too much time in bed can rapidly deplete your muscular strength.

Synonyms

• absorb
• burn
• consume
• devour
• drain
• draw down
• exhaust
• expend
• play out
• spend
• use up

Choose the Right Synonym for deplete

deplete, drain, exhaust, impoverish, bankrupt mean to deprive of something essential to existence or potency.

deplete implies a reduction in number or quantity so as to endanger the ability to function.

depleting our natural resources

drain implies a gradual withdrawal and ultimate deprivation of what is necessary to an existence.

personal tragedy had drained him of all spirit

exhaust stresses a complete emptying.

her lecture exhausted the subject

impoverish suggests a deprivation of something essential to richness or productiveness.

impoverished soil

bankrupt suggests impoverishment to the point of imminent collapse.

war had bankrupted the nation of resources

Examples of deplete in a Sentence

Activities such as logging and mining deplete our natural resources.

We completely depleted our life savings when we bought our new house.

Recent Examples on the Web

Ukrainian officials have taken several steps in recent weeks to swell the ranks of an army depleted by more than two years of grueling combat. —Maria Varenikova, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2024

But in addition to giving me so much to think about, Cooperman reminds us of silence’s ability to heal, a welcome reprieve from the hollow cacophony of life which depletes me. —Longreads, 26 Apr. 2024

In the wake of depleting stocks, fishers should have responded by reducing their take. —Karen Bakker, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Apr. 2024

If Texas continues to see record heat in the summer months, farmers worry drought levels will worsen, depleting water wells across the state. —David Montesino, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2024

The coastal aquifer is depleted; the water underground is brackish without treatment. —Keith Gessen, The New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2024

His percentages were down, which depleted his confidence. —Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 10 Apr. 2024

For example, being deficient in any of the B vitamins can deplete energy levels and slow your metabolism. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

The Kings didn’t encounter much resistance in their regular-season finale against the injury depleted Portland Trail Blazers, but their path to the playoffs won’t be so easy. —Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 15 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin dēplētus, past participle of dēplēre "to drain, draw off, empty out," from dē- de- + plērē "to fill" — more at full entry 1

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

deplete

verb

de·​plete di-ˈplēt 

depleted; depleting

: to reduce in amount by using up : exhaust especially of strength or resources

soil depleted of minerals

a depleted treasury

depletion

-ˈplē-shən 

noun

Medical Definition

deplete

transitive verb

de·​plete di-ˈplēt 

depleted; depleting

: to empty (as the blood vessels) of a principal substance

a body depleted by excessive blood loss

tissues depleted of vitamins