What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
deplete
Example
The company's profits were depleted after a series of bad investments. [depleted: past tense]
Example
The drought has depleted the water supply in the region. [deplete: verb]
exhaust
Example
The marathon runner was exhausted after running 26 miles. [exhausted: past participle]
Example
The factory exhausts its resources to meet the high demand for its products. [exhausts: present tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Deplete and exhaust are both commonly used words, but deplete is more commonly used in the context of natural resources, while exhaust is more versatile and can be used in a broader range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between deplete and exhaust?
Both deplete and exhaust are formal words that are appropriate for academic or professional writing.