mentally draining

USAGE SUMMARY

"mentally draining" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe an activity or experience that is emotionally and mentally taxing. Example sentence: "The long hours of studying required for the exam were mentally draining."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

It is mentally draining.

Independent

It's mentally draining.

The New York Times - Sports

It was more mentally draining.

The New York Times - Sports

It was so mentally draining".

The New York Times - Sports

CARING for an elderly parent is emotionally and mentally draining.

The New York Times - Health

It can be mentally draining that is for sure.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Gasquet looked physically and mentally drained.

The New York Times

"I'm mentally drained, I admit it.

The New York Times

I was physically and mentally drained because of the tension".

Independent

Mentally drained, I wheeled my bag into the terminal.

The New York Times - Travel

They are not mentally drained; they are not run down.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an activity as "mentally draining", be specific about the cause. Instead of saying "the day was mentally draining", try "the constant problem-solving at work was mentally draining".

Common error

Avoid using "mentally draining" as a catch-all phrase for anything unpleasant. Ensure it accurately reflects a situation that specifically depletes mental energy, rather than simply being annoying or frustrating.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mentally draining" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. Ludwig indicates it describes something that causes significant mental fatigue or depletion of mental resources. It is used to characterize activities, situations, or experiences that require considerable mental effort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mentally draining" is a common and grammatically sound adjective phrase used to describe activities or situations that deplete mental energy. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register making it suitable for both formal and informal use. When employing this phrase, be specific about what is causing the mental drain and avoid overusing it as a general descriptor for unpleasant experiences. Consider alternatives such as "cognitively taxing" or "intellectually exhausting" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mentally exhausting

A direct synonym, simply swapping "draining" for "exhausting".

mentally depleting

Highlights the reduction of mental resources and energy.

cognitively taxing

Focuses on the cognitive effort required, highlighting the demanding nature of the task.

intellectually exhausting

Emphasizes the intellectual fatigue resulting from prolonged mental exertion.

mentally wearing

Suggests a gradual erosion of mental resilience over time.

psychologically demanding

Emphasizes the psychological burden and strain involved.

emotionally taxing

Shifts the focus to the emotional toll, although mental fatigue is implied.

mind-numbing

Similar to brain-numbing, highlighting the dulling effect on the mind.

brain-numbing

Implies a loss of mental acuity and responsiveness due to overstimulation.

challenging for the mind

Focuses on the demanding or testing aspect of mental exertion.

FAQs

How can I use "mentally draining" in a sentence?

You can use "mentally draining" to describe activities or situations that deplete your mental energy. For example, "The constant meetings were "mentally draining"" or "Caring for a newborn can be very "mentally draining"".

What are some alternatives to saying "mentally draining"?

Alternatives to "mentally draining" include "cognitively taxing", "intellectually exhausting", or "emotionally taxing", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say something is both "physically and mentally draining"?

Yes, it is correct to say something is both "physically and mentally draining". This emphasizes that the activity depletes both physical and mental energy, highlighting a comprehensive level of exhaustion.

What's the difference between "mentally draining" and "emotionally draining"?

"Mentally draining" refers specifically to the depletion of cognitive energy and focus, while "emotionally draining" refers to the depletion of emotional resources and resilience. Although they can overlap, "mentally draining" is about mental fatigue, while "emotionally draining" is about emotional fatigue.