exhaustion

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'exhaustion' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a state of extreme tiredness, either physical or mental, that is usually caused by a long period of hard work, lack of sleep, or intense activity. Example sentence: The marathon runner felt a deep sense of exhaustion as she crossed the finish line.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Three years of war have left Chechnya miserable and exhausted; that exhaustion could still lay the basis for a settlement in which Chechens set aside their bid for secession while reserving the right to dream long-term dreams and win relief from harassment.Mr Powell's call for "civilised standards" to be observed in Chechnya was perhaps a good, if utopian-sounding, start.

The Economist

We're both too tired to talk, unless barking involuntary responses to auditory hallucinations brought about by prolonged exhaustion counts as talking, which it probably doesn't.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When the final whistle went, they almost collapsed with exhaustion.

The Guardian - Sport

I show him a cutting from the US research pointing towards heat exhaustion as a cause.

The Guardian

He chalked Modi's appeal up to media bias and an exhaustion with the formerly ruling Congress party.

The Guardian

"We showed that Europe can be an arena of negotiation and mutually acceptable compromise and not an arena for exhaustion, submission and blind punishment … but negotiations did not end yesterday".

The Guardian

His eye sockets are dark with exhaustion, but he's on a high.

The Guardian

Meadows is filming the story of Tommy Simpson, the Nottinghamshire cyclist who died of exhaustion in 1967 during the ascent of Mont Ventoux in the Tour de France.

The Guardian - Film

Exhaustion and emotion have been on sad display in the last few days.

The Guardian

On Tuesday morning, there was a palpable sense of exhaustion, from the previous night and from the knowledge that this will almost certainly be another very long day.

The Guardian

Less tangibly, there's also a sense of intellectual exhaustion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "exhaustion", consider specifying its cause to provide a clearer picture. For instance, "emotional exhaustion" differs significantly from "physical exhaustion".

Common error

Avoid using "exhaustion" lightly to describe mere tiredness. Reserve it for situations of genuine and significant depletion of energy and resources.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "exhaustion" is as a noun. It typically refers to a state of extreme tiredness or depletion of resources. Ludwig AI confirms that "exhaustion" is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "exhaustion" is a noun widely used to describe a state of extreme tiredness or depletion, whether physical, mental, or emotional. Ludwig AI indicates that the word is correct and commonly used in written English. Analysis of various sources shows that it most frequently appears in News & Media. While interchangeable with terms like "fatigue" or "weariness", "exhaustion" suggests a more profound and debilitating state. When using "exhaustion", it's helpful to specify the type (e.g., emotional, physical) to provide clarity, and avoid using it lightly for simple tiredness. Use the term to accurately reflect the severe depletion of energy and resources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extreme fatigue

Focuses on the severity of the tiredness.

utter weariness

Emphasizes a profound sense of being worn out.

complete depletion

Highlights the state of being entirely used up, lacking resources or energy.

total enervation

Indicates a significant reduction in energy or vitality.

burnout

Implies long-term stress and resulting emotional and physical depletion.

profound tiredness

Underscores the depth and intensity of the feeling of being tired.

physical debilitation

Specifically refers to the weakening of the body.

state of collapse

Describes a condition where exhaustion leads to a breakdown.

extreme languor

Conveys a sense of weariness accompanied by inactivity.

chronic fatigue

Suggests a long-lasting and persistent state of tiredness.

FAQs

How can "exhaustion" be used in a sentence?

You can use "exhaustion" to describe a state of extreme tiredness. For example, "After the intense workout, she felt a wave of "exhaustion" wash over her."

What's a good alternative to using "exhaustion"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "fatigue", "weariness", or "depletion".

Is there a difference between "exhaustion" and "tiredness"?

"Exhaustion" implies a more severe and prolonged state than simple "tiredness". It suggests a complete loss of energy and can be physical, mental, or emotional.

When is it appropriate to use "exhaustion" in writing?

Use "exhaustion" when describing a state of extreme tiredness that results from prolonged physical or mental effort, lack of sleep, or intense emotional stress. For example, "The constant demands of her job led to chronic "burnout"."