What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nonrenewable
Example
Oil is a nonrenewable resource that we need to conserve. [nonrenewable: adjective]
Example
The use of nonrenewable energy sources like coal and oil contributes to climate change. [nonrenewable: adjective]
exhaustible
Example
Water is an exhaustible resource that we need to use wisely. [exhaustible: adjective]
Example
The world's fish stocks are exhaustible and need to be managed sustainably. [exhaustible: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nonrenewable is a more commonly used term than exhaustible in discussions of energy and resource management. This is likely because it is a broader term that encompasses a wider range of resources, including fossil fuels, minerals, and metals. Exhaustible is a more specific term that is often used in discussions of renewable resources, such as water and forests.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nonrenewable and exhaustible?
Both nonrenewable and exhaustible are formal terms that are commonly used in academic and technical writing. However, nonrenewable is a more versatile term that can be used in a wider range of contexts, including everyday language and popular media.
