wrung out

USAGE SUMMARY

"wrung out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a situation in which all resources have been exhausted. For example, "The team was wrung out after a long day of work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

My heart, wrung out, was won back over.

The New Yorker

Some cooks look flustered and wrung out after service.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You were wrung out with gratitude for a remark like that.

The New Yorker

He looked wrung out from the effort to wring comedy from the debate.

The New York Times

It was very absorbent and, after being wrung out, sopped up the soda easily.

The New York Times

As salesmen, they're as worn down and wrung out as Willy Loman at twilight.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

I feel like a wrung-out teabag.

Independent

This is not a new "Oliver Twist," but simply a wrung-out one.

The New York Times

The pile should have the wetness of a wrung-out sponge.

Huffington Post

Ideally, a handful of compost should feel like a wrung-out sponge.

WikiHow

The soil should be as moist as a wrung-out sponge.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wrung out" to describe a person's emotional state, consider the context. It conveys a sense of being drained and depleted, often after a stressful or emotional experience. Ensure it aligns with the intended tone and message.

Common error

Avoid using "wrung out" to describe a temporary state of tiredness after a good night's sleep. The phrase implies a deeper level of exhaustion, often resulting from prolonged stress or effort, not just everyday fatigue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wrung out" primarily functions as a past participle used adjectivally to describe a state of being exhausted or depleted, either physically or emotionally. Ludwig examples show its use to describe people, debt, and opportunities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wrung out" is a versatile phrase primarily used as a past participle to describe a state of extreme exhaustion or depletion. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's commonly found in news and media contexts, but can also appear in science and business writing. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the context and audience when choosing this phrase. For more formal situations, alternatives like "completely exhausted" or "utterly depleted" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely exhausted

Emphasizes the state of being utterly tired, both physically and emotionally.

utterly depleted

Highlights the loss of resources or energy, suggesting a state of emptiness.

totally drained

Focuses on the removal of energy or vitality, implying a feeling of being emptied.

worn to a frazzle

Suggests a state of extreme fatigue and weariness, often from overwork or stress.

stripped bare

Implies the removal of everything, leaving nothing behind.

sapped of energy

Highlights the gradual loss of vigor, often due to a prolonged or demanding activity.

completely spent

Emphasizes the using up of all available resources, suggesting a point of no return.

picked clean

Suggests the thorough removal of everything valuable, leaving only the unwanted remains.

devoid of resources

Focuses on the lack of available materials or support, implying a state of destitution.

left with nothing

Highlights the absence of possessions or advantages, suggesting a state of complete loss.

FAQs

How can I use "wrung out" in a sentence?

You can use "wrung out" to describe a state of extreme exhaustion or depletion, as in "After the marathon, I felt completely "wrung out"".

What's a more formal way to say "wrung out"?

While "wrung out" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives include "completely exhausted" or "utterly depleted".

What can I say instead of "I'm wrung out"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "I'm completely "exhausted"", "I'm totally "drained"", or "I'm "worn out"".

Is it correct to use "wrung out" to describe an object?

Yes, "wrung out" can describe an object from which liquid has been extracted, such as "a "wrung out cloth"". However, be mindful that this usage is literal, whereas describing a person as "wrung out" is figurative.