deplete
What does "deplete" mean?
To deplete something means to use up a supply or resource until very little, or nothing, is left. Imagine a battery bar on your phone slowly draining from green to red, or a reservoir of water gradually sinking lower during a long, hot drought. It conveys the sense of a gradual, significant reduction in quantity or power. This word is often used in technical, environmental, or professional contexts, such as discussing natural resources, energy levels, or financial budgets. It is more formal than "use up" or "empty" and implies that the process of reduction is serious or potentially harmful if it continues unchecked.
"deplete" in conversation
Office budget meeting
We’ve already depleted our marketing budget for the quarter.
We’ve already depleted our marketing budget for the quarter.
That’s a problem. We still have two months of campaigns to run.
That’s a problem. We still have two months of campaigns to run.
Used to describe a financial resource being exhausted.
Discussing health
You need more sleep; you are completely depleting your energy reserves.
You need more sleep; you are completely depleting your energy reserves.
I know, I’ve been working sixteen-hour days all week.
I know, I’ve been working sixteen-hour days all week.
Used to describe the draining of physical stamina.
"deplete" in a sentence
The heavy rain helped replenish the depleted water supply.
The heavy rain helped replenish the depleted water supply.
Constant stress can quickly deplete your mental focus and patience.
Constant stress can quickly deplete your mental focus and patience.
The reckless extraction of minerals has severely depleted the region's natural resources.
The reckless extraction of minerals has severely depleted the region's natural resources.
