utterly drained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly drained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of extreme fatigue or exhaustion, either physically or emotionally. Example: "After working a double shift and dealing with personal issues, I felt utterly drained by the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

An emotional Wilson looked utterly drained at the end.

The Guardian - Sport

I feel so utterly drained, utterly relieved," she said.

The Guardian - Sport

When he finally speaks, after 40 seconds of silence, he sounds utterly drained.

The Guardian - Music

Brazil had experienced both and, by the end, they looked utterly drained.

The Guardian - Sport

Although they worked in teams, the officers' toil left them utterly drained.

The Guardian

I've seen childbirth in person three times, and I'm still utterly drained by watching it on TV.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

It is both stimulating and utterly draining.

The New York Times - Travel

Alzheimer's is an isolating, terrifying and utterly draining condition for carers, relatives and sufferers.

Vice

I would arrive home utterly uninspired, too drained by my dissatisfaction and frustration to even muster the energy to search for another job.

Huffington Post

When they gathered in Brighton last week, too many of the party's most senior figures came across as flabby, too used to power and its comforts, delusional, kidding themselves that their leader might undergo a personality change between now and the election, or utterly resigned, all fight drained from them.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, the grey, functional pole seems to have a draining pipe attached to it, which is utterly pointless when you're indoors.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utterly drained" to vividly describe a state of extreme physical or emotional exhaustion. It's particularly effective when emphasizing the aftermath of a challenging or demanding experience.

Common error

While "utterly drained" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it too casually. Save it for situations where the exhaustion is genuinely significant to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly drained" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a subject to describe a state of extreme exhaustion or depletion. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, providing examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

20%

Music

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "utterly drained" is a common and effective way to describe a state of extreme exhaustion, as confirmed by Ludwig. Grammatically correct and neutral in tone, it's frequently used in news, sport, and music contexts to convey a significant lack of energy. While "utterly drained" is acceptable in many situations, it's best reserved for instances where the exhaustion is genuine to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "completely exhausted" or "totally spent" for variety. The examples and linguistic analysis underscore its versatility and power in expressing profound fatigue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely depleted

Replaces 'drained' with 'depleted', emphasizing a complete reduction of resources or energy.

totally exhausted

Uses 'exhausted' instead of 'drained', which is a more common and direct synonym.

completely spent

Replaces 'utterly drained' with 'completely spent', indicating a total loss of energy.

entirely worn out

Emphasizes the state of being worn down, both physically and emotionally.

thoroughly fatigued

Uses a more formal synonym 'fatigued' for 'drained', appropriate in professional contexts.

absolutely knackered

Employs a British slang term 'knackered' for a more colloquial expression of extreme tiredness.

incapable of further effort

Describes the inability to continue due to extreme exhaustion.

devoid of all energy

Highlights the absence of energy, emphasizing the feeling of being drained.

bereft of vitality

Uses 'bereft of vitality' to illustrate the loss of energy and enthusiasm.

at the end of one's rope

Metaphorically describes being drained to the point of not being able to cope any longer.

FAQs

How can I use "utterly drained" in a sentence?

You can use "utterly drained" to describe a state of extreme exhaustion. For example, "After the marathon, I felt "utterly drained"."

What are some alternatives to "utterly drained"?

Some alternatives include "completely exhausted", "totally spent", or "entirely worn out".

Is "utterly drained" formal or informal?

"Utterly drained" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is often found in news and media reporting.

What does it mean to feel "utterly drained"?

To feel "utterly drained" means to experience a state of extreme fatigue, where physical or emotional resources are completely depleted, leaving one feeling exhausted and unable to function effectively.