exhaustion

noun

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

Synonyms of exhaustion

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Since last week, attacks have come day and night, compounding the terror of overnight strikes with the exhaustion of constant daytime disruption. — ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026 The reasons why Itauma reached such a point of exhaustion after eight rounds have been debated endlessly since Saturday. — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 Weiner echoed the tie between exhaustion and conflict at home. — Lauren Schuster, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for exhaustion

Word History

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of exhaustion was in 1615

Phrases Containing exhaustion

Rhymes for exhaustion

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Browse Nearby Words

exhaustible
exhaustion
exhaustive
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Cite this Entry

“Exhaustion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exhaustion. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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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 review—W. R. LaFave and J. H. Israel
specifically : exhaustion of remedies

More from Merriam-Webster on exhaustion

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about exhaustion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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