depletion
dih-PLEE-shun
/dɪˈpliːʃən/
A reduction in the number or quantity of something; the act of using up a resource.
Implies a worrying or unsustainable trend rather than just a temporary dip.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'deplere,' which literally means 'to un-fill' or 'to empty.' It is the opposite of 'replenish' (to fill again).
Word relationships
- exhaustion: Exhaustion implies the resource is completely gone, while depletion implies it is being used up.
- reduction: Reduction is more neutral; depletion sounds more serious and negative.
- replenishment: The act of filling something back up.
Commonly confused with
- degradation: Depletion is about quantity (how much is left); degradation is about quality (how good it is).
Word family
- deplete (verb): To use up the supply or resources of.
- depletable (adjective): Capable of being depleted.
Collocations
- resource depletion
- ozone depletion
- rapid depletion
Example sentences
- "The rapid depletion of the world's forests is a major contributor to climate change." Environmental report
- "Groundwater depletion in the Central Valley has caused the land itself to sink." Economic analysis
Memory hook
Think of a 'depleted' battery—it has been 'emptied' of its power. Emptying the tank.
When not to use
Avoid using for simple 'emptying' (like a trash can); use for resources that take time to replenish.
Fun facts
- In some parts of California, groundwater depletion has caused the ground level to drop by more than 28 feet since the 1920s.
Explore more words
deplete, deprivation, depopulation, exhaust, deprived, scarce
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