drained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of exhaustion or depletion, whether physical, emotional, or mental. Example: "After the long meeting, I felt completely drained and needed a break to recharge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An "emotionally and physically drained" Mo Farah took a 6am flight back to the United States after withdrawing from the Birmingham Grand Prixon Sunday but his exit angered British fans and left the double Olympic champion out of pocket.

The Guardian - Sport

The epidemic drained the health system of resources to deal with other medical issues, which can be devastating to people living on the economic edge.

The Guardian

Because that's a threat to the corporate and political establishment, that establishment has drained public media of resources," Sirota said.

The Guardian - Opinion

She says: "When I finally got off my bike, I felt mentally drained, humiliated, defeated and disappointed.

The Guardian

Then, on the 17th, Leonard drained that snaking 40-foot birdie putt and all hell broke loose.

The Guardian - Sport

Sprinkle them with a little salt and leave to drain in a colander over the sink or on the draining board for at least half an hour, to draw out any excess water. 2 Preheat the oven to 220C/425F/gas mark 7. When the aubergines are drained, toss them in the vegetable oil and roast in the oven for 30-40 minuntil unthe the aubergines are completely soft and a tempting golden on the outside.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In an interview with Germany's mass circulation daily Bild, the 38-year-old American actor said: "I am a bit drained.

The Guardian - Film

"It's a really unnerving, uncanny experience – almost as if the whole place has been drained of emotion," he says.

The Guardian

However the 20th Century Society applied again last year, arguing that the agreement was failing to protect original features including a fountain filled courtyard now drained to make room for more commercial space.

The Guardian - Arts

And, of course, the high price of the mistakes of the west in Iraq and Afghanistan have sapped confidence that western powers will do anything other than make things worse, and drained support for anything other than hand-wringing.

The Guardian

There's nothing remarkable about Rolf Nikolaus Cornelius Gurlitt's flat, a fifth-floor apartment on the shady side of a modernist apartment block in Munich's Schwabing district: walking distance to the lush English Gardens nearby; a balcony with black stains from years of inefficiently drained rainwater; no plants or flowers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "drained" to describe a person's emotional state, ensure the context clearly indicates the source of the depletion, such as a stressful event or prolonged effort.

Common error

While "drained" is acceptable in many contexts, overuse in formal writing can make your prose sound monotonous. Substitute it with more precise synonyms like "depleted", "exhausted", or "enervated" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

Drained functions primarily as an adjective, describing a state of exhaustion, depletion, or removal. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness in various contexts. It can modify nouns to indicate a lack of energy, resources, or emotional strength, as seen in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Lifestyle

12%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Travel

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "drained" is a versatile adjective used to describe states of exhaustion, depletion, or removal, as validated by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically sound and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news, lifestyle, and sports reporting. While generally acceptable, substituting "drained" with more precise synonyms in formal writing can enhance clarity. Remember to consider the nuance you wish to convey, choosing from alternatives like "exhausted", "depleted", or "enervated". The high frequency and consistent usage across reputable sources underscore its validity in modern English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exhausted

Focuses primarily on physical or mental fatigue.

depleted

Emphasizes the reduction or exhaustion of resources or energy.

fatigued

A more formal term for tiredness or exhaustion.

spent

Suggests a complete loss of energy or resources.

enervated

Indicates a weakening or reduction of vitality.

wiped out

An informal way of saying completely exhausted.

cleaned out

Implies a complete removal of something, often emotionally.

sapped

Focuses on the gradual depletion of strength or energy.

empty

Highlights a lack of content or energy.

finished

Suggests a state of being completely used up or lacking energy.

FAQs

How can I use "drained" in a sentence?

"Drained" can be used to describe physical exhaustion (e.g., "After the marathon, I felt completely drained"), emotional depletion (e.g., "The constant arguments left her feeling drained"), or the depletion of resources (e.g., "The project drained our budget").

What are some synonyms for "drained" when referring to exhaustion?

When referring to exhaustion, you can use alternatives like "exhausted", "fatigued", or "wiped out", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it correct to say someone is "drained of energy"?

Yes, it is correct to say someone is "drained of energy". This phrase emphasizes the loss of vitality and is commonly used. You could also say someone is "depleted of energy".

What's the difference between "drained" and "exhausted"?

While both words describe a state of extreme tiredness, "drained" often implies a more complete depletion of resources, whether physical, emotional, or financial. "Exhausted" primarily refers to physical or mental fatigue.