utterly exhausting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly exhausting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is extremely tiring or draining, either physically or mentally. Example: "After running the marathon, I felt utterly exhausting and needed to rest for days."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It's serious business, and looks utterly exhausting.

The New York Times - Travel

Yet I found her utterly exhausting.

The Guardian

Going over this again and again is, frankly, utterly exhausting.

Independent

"Conducting is utterly exhausting, just like composing" Mr. Kotik said of his new vocation.

The New York Times - Arts

Funny, excruciating and utterly exhausting, her book tells of her desperate blundering around Uganda, being spied on and befriended, and her gradual discovery of the evil surrounding Kony and his Lord's Resistance Army.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That is utterly exhausting.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"And now we're utterly exhausted".

The New Yorker

Charles James, an American designer, arrived utterly exhausted.

The New Yorker

Watching it, I felt utterly exhausted.

The Guardian - Opinion

I am utterly exhausted & feel as if I will never be the same.

Harvard University

Utterly exhausted, he laid his forehead on the shoulder of the Occupier beside him.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "utterly exhausting", consider the nuance you want to convey. It suggests more than simple tiredness; it implies a complete depletion of energy, whether physical, mental, or emotional. Use it when the level of exhaustion is significant.

Common error

Avoid using "utterly exhausting" for minor inconveniences or everyday tiredness. The phrase carries a strong connotation of complete depletion, and overusing it can dilute its impact. Reserve it for situations where the exhaustion is genuinely profound.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly exhausting" functions as an adverb-adjective combination, where "utterly" modifies and intensifies the adjective "exhausting". It describes the degree or extent of exhaustion, highlighting its completeness. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "utterly exhausting" is a valid and commonly used expression to describe something that causes extreme tiredness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and applicable in various contexts. The phrase functions as an adverb-adjective combination, intensifying the feeling of exhaustion. While alternatives like "completely draining" or "totally fatiguing" exist, "utterly exhausting" effectively conveys a profound sense of depletion. Use it judiciously to emphasize significant levels of exhaustion, avoiding overuse in trivial situations. Top sources where we find this expression are The New York Times, The Guardian and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely draining

Emphasizes the draining aspect, focusing on the depletion of energy or resources.

totally fatiguing

Highlights the feeling of fatigue and tiredness.

absolutely knackering

A more informal term, particularly common in British English, suggesting extreme tiredness.

thoroughly wearying

Stresses the process of becoming tired, implying a gradual loss of energy.

incredibly enervating

Focuses on the reduction of vitality and strength.

extremely debilitating

Highlights the weakening effect, often associated with physical or mental conditions.

intensely tiring

Emphasizes the high degree of tiredness caused by something.

unbearably grueling

Focuses on the harsh and demanding nature of something that leads to exhaustion.

exceedingly taxing

Highlights the demanding and burdensome nature of something that causes fatigue.

dreadfully wearing

Stresses the gradual depletion of energy and strength over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "utterly exhausting" to describe activities, situations, or experiences that leave you completely drained. For example, "Running a marathon is an "utterly exhausting" experience" or "Dealing with bureaucracy can be "utterly exhausting"".

What are some alternatives to "utterly exhausting"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "completely draining", "totally fatiguing", or "incredibly enervating". These phrases convey similar levels of exhaustion.

Is "utterly exhausting" formal or informal?

"Utterly exhausting" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While "utterly" adds emphasis, it doesn't make the phrase overly colloquial. The appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of your writing.

What makes something "utterly exhausting" rather than just "tiring"?

The word "utterly" intensifies the adjective "exhausting", suggesting a complete or extreme level of depletion. Something that is "utterly exhausting" leaves you feeling completely drained of energy, both physically and/or mentally, going beyond mere tiredness.