was utterly spent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was 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 was utterly spent and could barely move."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

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

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I'm utterly spent.

The Guardian - Sport

I am utterly spent by the time my father lands in the emergency room, shortly after 1 a.m. on a cold January night.

The New York Times - Health

He must have been utterly spent, yet he chatted for three hours, in English, French and German, dispensing both wine and wisdom.

The Guardian

Assuming you are not utterly spent after paddling out from Surfside Beach, the experts will try to help you get up on your board and give you a taste for the potential of a wave.

The New York Times

I spent a lot of my childhood there and it was utterly gorgeous.

Independent

Which was utterly false.

The New Yorker

He was utterly deceived.

The New York Times - Sports

He was utterly baffled.

Independent

He was utterly horrified.

The New Yorker

It was utterly breathtaking.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was utterly spent" to convey a strong sense of exhaustion, whether physical, emotional, or metaphorical. It adds emphasis compared to simply saying "was tired".

Common error

Avoid using "was utterly spent" in highly formal or professional writing where a more neutral or precise term like "exhausted" or "depleted" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was utterly spent" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun (often implied) to indicate a state of extreme exhaustion or depletion, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was utterly spent" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English used to describe extreme exhaustion. As confirmed by Ludwig, it effectively conveys a strong sense of being depleted, whether physically or emotionally. While its register leans toward neutral, caution should be exercised in excessively formal contexts, where alternatives such as "exhausted" or "depleted" might be preferred. The phrase appears primarily in news and media sources, reflecting its role in descriptive writing. Though infrequently encountered, "was utterly spent" remains a valid and emphatic way to describe a state of complete exhaustion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was completely exhausted

Emphasizes total depletion of energy or resources.

was totally drained

Highlights the feeling of having all resources or energy taken away.

was entirely depleted

Stresses the thorough consumption of available resources.

was worn out

Focuses on the physical or emotional weariness experienced.

was dog-tired

An informal way to express extreme tiredness.

was dead tired

Another informal expression indicating severe exhaustion.

was all in

Indicates having given all effort and being completely exhausted as a result.

was knackered

A British slang term for being extremely tired.

was burned out

Implies exhaustion caused by prolonged stress or overwork.

was used up

Suggests that all of one's energy or resources have been consumed.

FAQs

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

You can use "was utterly spent" to describe a state of extreme exhaustion. For example, "After the intense workout, he was utterly spent." Consider also some semantically related alternatives such as "was completely exhausted" or "was totally drained".

What does "was utterly spent" mean?

"Was utterly spent" means to be completely exhausted, depleted of energy, or emotionally drained. It emphasizes a state of being thoroughly used up or consumed.

What are some alternatives to "was utterly spent"?

Alternatives include "was completely exhausted", "was totally drained", or "was worn out". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "was utterly spent" formal or informal?

"Was utterly spent" is generally considered to be neutral in tone, suitable for most writing contexts, but it might be better to use a more formal term such as "exhausted" or "depleted" in very formal or professional situations.