exhaustion

noun

ex·​haus·​tion ig-ˈzȯs-chən How to pronounce exhaustion (audio)
: the act or process of exhausting : the state of being exhausted

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 exhaustion could be related to a number of issues: insomnia disorders, a hectic work schedule, anxiety, eating habits, and potentially, your partner. Jeanne Ballion, Vogue, 12 Mar. 2024 This sense of exhaustion is profound, even though the U.S. military presence in the Middle East is far smaller than in the past. Daniel Byman, Foreign Affairs, 12 Mar. 2024 Despite the reroutes, the last-minute packing, and the exhaustion, the pros far outweigh the cons. Jennifer Leigh Parker, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 Despite the setting, the 28-year-old remains cheerful — but admits that the exhaustion of two years of war is taking its toll. Richard Engel, NBC News, 21 Feb. 2024 Frustration over time turns into defeat, and defeat looks an awful lot like exhaustion. TIME, 13 Feb. 2024 Dripping with sweat, hands on her knees in total exhaustion, Francis Scott Key’s Drew Watkins stepped to the free throw line with her team down one with just 1.6 seconds left Wednesday night. Timothy Dashiell, Baltimore Sun, 1 Feb. 2024 It can be characterized by three dimensions: feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion, increased mental distance and avoidance from one’s responsibilities, or feelings of negativism, cynicism, and despair. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 4 Mar. 2024 In that moment, my frustration and exhaustion were immediately replaced by elation. Joshua Mezrich, STAT, 2 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'exhaustion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of exhaustion was in 1615

Dictionary Entries Near exhaustion

Cite this Entry

“Exhaustion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exhaustion. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

exhaustion

noun
ex·​haus·​tion ig-ˈzȯs-chən How to pronounce exhaustion (audio)
1
: the act of exhausting
2
: the state of being exhausted

Medical Definition

exhaustion

noun
ex·​haus·​tion ig-ˈzȯs-chən How to pronounce exhaustion (audio)
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 reviewW. R. LaFave and J. H. Israel
specifically : exhaustion of remedies

More from Merriam-Webster on exhaustion

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