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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
feeling run down
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"feeling run down" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing a state of fatigue or low energy, often due to stress or illness. Example: After working long hours without a break, I started feeling run down. Alternative expressions include "feeling exhausted," "feeling drained," and "feeling fatigued."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Wiki
Science
Alternative expressions(20)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
29 human-written examples
Irritability may be related to fatigue or can occur as a result of feeling run down in general, similar to how one feels when sick with a cold or flu.
Wiki
But following a drawn-out viral infection that left me sneezing and feeling run down for weeks, I started to get headaches every day, and they were more painful than usual.
Academia
And so on a brisk day in February, feeling run down, Ms. Jang found herself in a storefront clinic, a needle in her arm and a bag of solution she knows as "ringer" sliding into her veins.
News & Media
Tired of feeling run down?" appear on-screen as an upbeat piano tune plays.
News & Media
You're not the only one feeling run down by the news of the day.
News & Media
At best, you will have 5 to 10 days of fever, loss of appetite, headaches, feeling run down, and itchy, itchy rashes.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
31 human-written examples
He drifts off, then awakes with a strange feeling, runs down to the cupboard where the papers had been, finds it sealed shut, pries it open, and there are the papers, covered with decades' worth of dust.
News & Media
What does it remind you of as you imagine yourself running your hand along its surface, or the tingling feeling you feel run down your back?
Wiki
This is Goldie Lookin' Chain when they're feeling a bit run down and emotional.
News & Media
Take your temperature if you are feeling ill or run down.
Wiki
This year, in particular, we are faced with challenges that can weaken our immune system, and generally leave us feeling run-down, or drained.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing a temporary state of fatigue due to a specific cause, such as lack of sleep or overexertion, use "feeling run down" to convey a general sense of depletion.
Common error
Avoid using "feeling run down" repetitively in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms like "exhausted", "fatigued", or "drained" to keep your writing engaging.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "feeling run down" primarily functions as an adjective phrase. It's used to describe a subjective state of being, indicating a temporary condition of fatigue, weakness, or general malaise. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across a variety of contexts.
Frequent in
News & Media
44%
Wiki
14%
Science
12%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "feeling run down" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a state of fatigue or low energy. Ludwig AI analysis indicates its frequent usage in news and media, wiki articles, and scientific contexts. The phrase serves to express a temporary physical or mental condition, often to explain a lack of energy or to seek understanding. While the phrase is versatile, varying your language with synonyms such as "feeling exhausted" or "feeling fatigued" can enhance your writing. The phrase's neutral register makes it appropriate for both informal and professional communication. Top sources using the phrase include Huffington Post, Forbes, and the BBC.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
feeling exhausted
Focuses specifically on the sensation of extreme tiredness.
feeling fatigued
Emphasizes a state of weariness or reduced energy, often due to exertion or illness.
feeling weary
Suggests a tired state, often after prolonged effort or strain.
feeling drained
Highlights the loss of energy or vitality.
feeling depleted
Indicates a reduction in essential resources, both physical and mental.
feeling unwell
A broader term indicating a general state of poor health.
under the weather
An idiomatic expression for feeling slightly ill.
out of sorts
Suggests a feeling of being not quite right, either physically or emotionally.
lacking energy
Directly describes the absence of vitality and power.
low on energy
Implies that you have little power or will to perform an action
FAQs
What does "feeling run down" mean?
The phrase "feeling run down" describes a state of fatigue, low energy, and general unwellness. It often suggests a temporary condition resulting from stress, lack of sleep, or the early stages of an illness. Synonyms include "feeling exhausted", "feeling fatigued", or "feeling drained".
How to use "feeling run down" in a sentence?
You can use "feeling run down" to describe your physical or mental state. For example, "After the long trip, I was feeling run down" or "She's been feeling run down lately due to the extra workload".
What's the difference between "feeling run down" and "feeling depressed"?
"Feeling run down" primarily describes physical and mental exhaustion. "Feeling depressed", on the other hand, refers to a persistent state of sadness, loss of interest, and other emotional symptoms. While fatigue can be a symptom of depression, feeling run down doesn't necessarily indicate depression.
What can I say instead of "feeling run down"?
You can use alternatives like "feeling tired", "feeling weak", or "feeling under the weather" to convey a similar meaning depending on the specific context.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested