utterly spent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly spent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of extreme exhaustion or depletion, either physically or emotionally. Example: "After running the marathon, I felt utterly spent and could barely move."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Health

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

I'm utterly spent.

The Guardian - Sport

They looked utterly spent, ashen-faced and unspeaking.

The Guardian - Travel

He was utterly spent when subbed in the 52nd minute.

The Guardian - Sport

When our loved one dies, we move into the hardest part of our lives utterly spent physically and emotionally.

The New York Times

To a woman, the English sank to the turf utterly spent at the final whistle.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Bush seemed utterly spent and got confused about the name of a reporter whom he knew well.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

He sounds utterly flat and spent.

The Guardian

A show like The Honourable Woman, Blick says, derives from this process: years of thinking and researching, then, after pitching, six months spent "utterly grounding the story in my head.

The Guardian - Film

So, as research, I spent an utterly miserable evening watching YouTube videos of the ways in which our meat is slaughtered.

The Guardian - Opinion

Others point the finger at Oblomov's overprotective mother, or at a quiet, indolent, utterly thought-free childhood spent at a Russian country estate.

The New York Times - Books

So I waited for the first real system sellers to arrive, and when they did, I applied for a job in the rickety sports shop over the road, and spent an utterly miserable summer working behind the till, dealing with teardrop-tattooed shoplifters, passive-aggressive jobsworths, horrendous bosses and the constant blood-boiling braying of Vernon Kay's cheerful Radio 1 slot.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utterly spent" to vividly convey a state of extreme physical or emotional exhaustion, making your writing more impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "utterly spent" in highly formal or professional writing where a more clinical term like "completely exhausted" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly spent" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of extreme exhaustion or depletion. Ludwig AI confirms its accurate usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Health

8%

Travel

4%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utterly spent" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express extreme exhaustion, both physically and emotionally. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and provides numerous real-world examples. While it's acceptable in most contexts, more formal alternatives like "completely exhausted" might be preferable in highly professional writing. The phrase is versatile, finding frequent use in News & Media, Health and Travel related content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely exhausted

Emphasizes the state of being entirely depleted of energy.

totally drained

Highlights the feeling of having all energy reserves removed.

thoroughly depleted

Focuses on the comprehensive reduction of resources or energy.

completely worn out

Describes the state of being damaged or deteriorated due to use or exertion.

absolutely knackered

An informal British term for being extremely tired.

flat out

Emphasizes a state of extreme busyness and exhaustion.

physically drained

Specifically points to the physical aspect of exhaustion.

emotionally exhausted

Highlights the emotional aspect of being completely spent.

mentally fatigued

Focuses on the mental aspect of exhaustion.

in a state of collapse

Implies a severe physical or emotional breakdown due to extreme exhaustion.

FAQs

What does "utterly spent" mean?

The phrase "utterly spent" describes a state of extreme exhaustion, whether physical or emotional. It suggests a complete depletion of energy and resources.

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

You can use "utterly spent" to describe how someone feels after a strenuous activity: "After the marathon, I felt utterly spent." It can also describe emotional exhaustion: "Caring for her ailing mother left her utterly spent."

What can I say instead of "utterly spent"?

You can use alternatives like "completely exhausted", "totally drained", or "thoroughly depleted" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "utterly spent" a formal or informal phrase?

The phrase "utterly spent" is generally considered informal but acceptable in many contexts. For very formal writing, consider alternatives like "completely exhausted".