Word
depletion
Phoneticsde·ple·tion, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈpɫiʃən/
UK/dɪplˈiːʃən/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the act of using up a supply of something until there is very little or none left. It is often used when talking about natural resources like water or energy.
n. the reduction in the number or quantity of something; the act of exhausting a resource or supply.
Examples
“The depletion of the ozone layer is a serious environmental concern.”
“Farmers are worried about the rapid depletion of groundwater during the long summer drought.”
“Economists argue that the rapid depletion of non-renewable resources will eventually force a global shift toward sustainable energy alternatives to prevent a total industrial collapse.”
Examples
simple
“The depletion of the ozone layer is a serious environmental concern.”
contextual
“Farmers are worried about the rapid depletion of groundwater during the long summer drought.”
complex
“Economists argue that the rapid depletion of non-renewable resources will eventually force a global shift toward sustainable energy alternatives to prevent a total industrial collapse.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'of' to indicate the resource being exhausted.
Real-World Examples
“The severe depletion of mackerel numbers has led to the fish losing its MSC certification, meaning it no longer complies with many retailers' sustainability policies.” “Worldwide, some of the most widespread and damaging drought events in recorded history have occurred in recent years due to climate change and resource depletion.” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin depletio, depletionem, from depleō.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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