Word
draining
Phoneticsdrain·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdɹeɪnɪŋ/
UK/dɹˈeɪnɪŋ/
Definitions
01exhausting
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. making you feel very tired or taking away all your mental energy.
adj. causing a significant depletion of physical or emotional energy; mentally or physically exhausting.
“It was a long and draining day at the office with too many meetings.”
“The constant emotional demands of the role proved incredibly draining, eventually leading the manager to seek a less stressful position.”
Pitfall
I am very draining after work.
I am very drained after work.
Use 'draining' for the thing that causes the feeling (the job) and 'drained' for the person who feels it.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02liquid flowing away
B1 · Intermediate
v. the act of liquid flowing out of something until it is empty.
v. the present participle of 'drain', describing the continuous process of liquid being drawn off or flowing away from a container or area.
“The water is slowly draining from the sink after I cleared the pipe.”
“By draining the flooded fields into the nearby canal, the farmers managed to save a significant portion of the autumn harvest.”
Antonyms
03the process of emptying
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Technical
n. the process or system of moving liquid away from a place.
n. the action or method by which something is emptied or liquid is removed; often used in technical or agricultural contexts.
“The draining of the swamp took several months to complete.”
“The rapid draining of the reservoir caused concern among local environmentalists regarding the impact on the native fish population.”
04exploring sewers
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Informal · Slang
n. the hobby of exploring underground tunnels or pipes.
n. the practice of exploring man-made underground structures such as drains, sewers, or storm tunnels.
“He joined a group of people who enjoy draining in the old parts of the city.”
“Draining remains a controversial subculture of urban exploration due to the significant safety risks and legal issues involved in entering storm systems.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“A key one is being tired —or worse, burned out —from working too hard for too long on draining tasks.” “During this summer's heatwaves, people have taken to social media to report phone batteries draining faster because of the high temperatures, but forJimmy batteries are what enable him to get around.” - 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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