What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
depletion
Example
The depletion of natural resources is a major concern for environmentalists. [depletion: noun]
Example
The athlete experienced muscle depletion after a long workout. [depletion: noun]
Example
The soil was depleted of nutrients due to over-farming. [depleted: past participle]
exhaustion
Example
After running a marathon, the athlete felt a sense of exhaustion. [exhaustion: noun]
Example
The company faced financial exhaustion after years of losses. [exhaustion: noun]
Example
I have exhausted all possible solutions to this problem. [exhausted: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Exhaustion is more commonly used in everyday language than depletion. Exhaustion is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while depletion is more specific and often used in scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between depletion and exhaustion?
Both depletion and exhaustion are formal words that are appropriate for academic or technical writing. However, exhaustion may also be used in informal contexts to describe personal feelings of fatigue or burnout.
