exhaustion

noun

ex·​haus·​tion ig-ˈzȯs-chən How to pronounce exhaustion (audio)
Synonyms of exhaustionnext
: the act or process of exhausting : the state of being exhausted

Synonyms of exhaustion

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Examples of exhaustion in a Sentence

He worked to the point of complete exhaustion. the exhaustion of our natural resources
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After all, later in the month, exhaustion or a deeply personal truth could rise to the surface. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026 Know the signs of heat illness Heat exhaustion is the first step toward heat stroke; it is caused by overheating and dehydration—specifically, the loss of salt and water through sweat. — Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 2 July 2026 Every time a player gets removed, space opens up, and the decisive goal becomes increasingly likely — so player exhaustion isn’t an overwhelming worry. — Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 30 June 2026 Like Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed fighting to exhaustion, the two aging legends will look to do the same with a round-of-16 spot on the line. — David Hickey, NBC news, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for exhaustion

Word History

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of exhaustion was in 1615

Phrases Containing exhaustion

Rhymes for exhaustion

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Browse Nearby Words

exhaustible
exhaustion
exhaustive
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Cite this Entry

“Exhaustion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exhaustion. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

exhaustion

noun
ex·​haus·​tion ig-ˈzȯs-chən How to pronounce exhaustion (audio)
1
: the act of exhausting
2
: the state of being exhausted

Medical Definition

exhaustion

noun
ex·​haus·​tion ig-ˈzȯs-chən How to pronounce exhaustion (audio)
1
: the act or process of exhausting : the state of being exhausted
suffered from physical and mental exhaustion
see heat exhaustion
2
: neurosis following overstrain or overexertion especially in military combat

Legal Definition

exhaustion

noun
ex·​haus·​tion
: the act or process of exhausting
even after the exhaustion of direct appellate review—W. R. LaFave and J. H. Israel
specifically : exhaustion of remedies

More from Merriam-Webster on exhaustion

Nglish: Translation of exhaustion for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about exhaustion

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