depleted; depleting; depletes
1
: to empty of a principal substance
The lake was depleted of water.
depleting the country of its natural resources
2
: to lessen markedly in quantity, content, power, or value
deplete our life savings
their depleted resources
Did you know?
The de- prefix often means "do the opposite of", so deplete means the opposite of "fill". Thus, for example, a kitchen's food supplies can be rapidly depleted by hungry teenagers. But deplete often suggests something more serious. Desertions can deplete an army; layoffs can deplete an office staff; and too much time in bed can rapidly deplete your muscular strength.
Examples of deplete in a Sentence
Activities such as logging and mining deplete our natural resources.
We completely depleted our life savings when we bought our new house.
Recent Examples on the Web
Washington started two players on two-way contracts, Juju Reese and Leaky Black, along with veteran Anthony Gill, who has long been one of the last options off the Wizards' bench but has seen regular playing time lately with the roster depleted by injuries.
—
CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
Once reserves are depleted, recipients could see a 28% cut in benefits.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
Beyond the mass firings, the ranks of the department have been depleted by the departure of employees who could not stomach the new order; the resulting loss of expertise will take generations to rebuild.
—Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
Yes, a consolidation of the motion picture studios from five down to four would mean fewer jobs, less choices for moviegoers, higher tickets prices, increased leveraged rental terms on cinemas by studios, potential multiplex closings and depleting ticket sales.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deplete
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CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
Once reserves are depleted, recipients could see a 28% cut in benefits.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
Beyond the mass firings, the ranks of the department have been depleted by the departure of employees who could not stomach the new order; the resulting loss of expertise will take generations to rebuild.
—Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
Yes, a consolidation of the motion picture studios from five down to four would mean fewer jobs, less choices for moviegoers, higher tickets prices, increased leveraged rental terms on cinemas by studios, potential multiplex closings and depleting ticket sales.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deplete
Cite this Entry
“Deplete.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deplete. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
deplete
verb
de·plete
di-ˈplēt 
depleted; depleting
: to reduce in amount by using up : exhaust especially of strength or resources
soil depleted of minerals
a depleted treasury
Medical Definition
deplete
transitive verb
de·plete
di-ˈplēt
depleted; depleting
: to empty (as the blood vessels) of a principal substance
a body depleted by excessive blood loss
tissues depleted of vitamins
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