# dehydrated

/dɪˈhaɪdɹeɪtəd/ (US) · /dˌiːhaɪdɹˈeɪtɪd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dehydrated
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

feeling weak or sick because you have not drunk enough water. You might feel this way after a long run or a day in the sun.

For teachers: suffering from an excessive loss of water from the body. Often used predicatively after linking verbs such as 'become', 'feel', or 'look'.

## Examples

- I felt very dehydrated after my long run in the sun.
- The doctor warned that the patient was severely dehydrated and needed immediate fluids through an IV.
- Athletes performing in high-humidity environments must monitor their fluid intake closely, as it is possible to become dangerously dehydrated before the sensation of thirst even begins.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I am dehydrate" but "I am dehydrated" — Learners often use the base verb form instead of the participial adjective ending in -ed to describe their state.

## Usage notes

- Often follows linking verbs like 'become' or 'feel'; can also be used attributively before a noun.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.