exhausting

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "exhausting" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is draining or tiring. For example, "The hike up the mountain was exhausting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Retaliation from the rightwing twittersphere was swift and violent, as Khalek documented in an exhaustive (and exhausting) post at Alternet.

The Guardian - Opinion

Regarding these pieces, Oliver Sacks once said, "Style is the deepest part of one's being, and may be preserved, almost to the last, in a dementia .Part of the exhibition's appeal is its exhaustive (and exhausting) quality.

The Economist

It's exhausting work but it's undeniably serene being so far out to sea on a calm night.

The Guardian

As a result their public arguments have an incestuous yet masturbatory quality that is exhausting to follow.

The Guardian - Money

It was exhausting and debilitating, but it is all over now and I am out the other side.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's been a frustrating, exhausting, exhilirating seven years.

The Guardian

Having walked in her shoes – well, her trainers – I'm in awe of Susie and how she can dress like this day in, day out; it must be exhausting.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's impossible to comprehend just how exhausting the questioning, though important, must be.

The Guardian - Opinion

In Act III of Swan Lake, the ballerina has to perform 32 fouettés, a notoriously exhausting series of turns on pointe which many dancers dread.

The Guardian

A thorough nomination process can improve a candidate, but there's now a big risk that the Republican nomination process will become brutal and exhausting.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The reason for that might be down to Kerry Hamilton, a transport professor in the middle of an exhausting-looking extension build.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exhausting" to describe activities, situations, or people that deplete energy or resources, whether physical, mental, or emotional. For instance, "The negotiations were exhausting." This conveys the impact more effectively than simply stating something was difficult.

Common error

While "exhausting" is appropriate in many formal contexts, overuse in casual conversation can sound overly dramatic. Consider using simpler alternatives like "tiring" or "draining" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The word "exhausting" primarily functions as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that causes fatigue or depletion of energy. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples, indicating its role in characterizing experiences, tasks, or situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

26%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exhausting" is a commonly used adjective that describes something causing fatigue. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals its prevalence in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, highlighting its neutral to formal register. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, be mindful of overusing it in casual settings where simpler alternatives might suffice. Related terms like "tiring" or "draining" can offer nuanced alternatives, depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey. As Ludwig's analysis suggests, mastering the use of "exhausting" involves understanding its impact and selecting appropriate alternatives to fit various communicative purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tiring

A more common and direct synonym for causing fatigue.

draining

Emphasizes the gradual loss of energy or resources.

wearying

Highlights the mental or emotional fatigue involved.

debilitating

Indicates a weakening effect, often more severe than simple tiredness.

taxing

Focuses on the demands and strain placed on someone or something.

grueling

Suggests extreme physical or mental effort and exhaustion.

arduous

Emphasizes the difficulty and laboriousness of a task.

onerous

Highlights the burdensome nature of something, causing strain.

fatiguing

A more formal and technical synonym for tiring.

energy-sapping

Directly refers to the depletion of energy reserves.

FAQs

How can I use "exhausting" in a sentence?

You can use "exhausting" to describe something that causes fatigue. For example, "The marathon was an "exhausting" experience", or "Dealing with constant complaints can be "exhausting"".

What are some synonyms for "exhausting"?

Alternatives for "exhausting" include "tiring", "draining", "wearying", and "debilitating". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I am exhausting"?

No, "I am exhausting" is not typically correct. "Exhausting" describes something that causes exhaustion. You might say "I am exhausted" to describe your own state, or "I find social events exhausting" to describe the effect they have on you.

What's the difference between "exhausting" and "exhaustive"?

"Exhausting" means causing fatigue, while "exhaustive" means thorough or complete. An "exhaustive" study covers all aspects of a topic, while an "exhausting" study might leave you feeling tired.