Words / C1

di-PLEET/dɪˈpliːt/

To deplete is to reduce a stock by using too much of it: deplete savings, deplete energy, deplete fish stocks. Use up is everyday; drain is a close metaphor. Depletion is the noun (ozone depletion), and the verb is slightly technical and environmental. In speech, run down or use up is enough; the opposite idea is replenish.

Meaning

To reduce something by using too much of it.

Examples

• “Long hours depleted her energy.”
• “Overtime depleted the team’s goodwill as well as the budget.”
• “Intensive farming has depleted the soil in that valley.”

Good to know

deplete stocks/energy/savings. Noun: depletion. Everyday: use up / drain. Opposite: replenish.

Near in meaning

drain

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