use up most or all of something

deplete

verb|/dɪˈpliːt/

To use up or reduce a resource significantly

Examples

In a meeting

This project will deplete our budget for the quarter.

Over coffee

That hike totally depleted my energy for the rest of the day.

Why this word

exhaust

Deplete means using up resources gradually, exhaust implies complete consumption or draining

reduce

Deplete specifically decreases by using up supplies, reduce is any form of decrease

drain

Deplete is gradual resource reduction, drain suggests flowing out or removing liquid/energy

Usage tip

Use when resources, energy, or supplies are being used up or running low

Etymology

Latin deplere (to empty out), from de- (completely) + plere (to fill)

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