fatigue

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical

n. weakness in metal or other materials caused by repeated stress, which can lead to breaking.

n. the weakening or failure of a material, such as metal, caused by repeated cycles of stress or strain.

“The old bridge was closed because of metal fatigue in the main cables.”

“Engineers conducted ultrasonic testing to detect signs of structural fatigue in the aircraft's fuselage before it was cleared for flight.”

C1 · Advanced Plural noun General-service

n. strong clothes worn by soldiers when they are doing physical work rather than fighting.

n. clothing worn by military personnel for manual labour or field duties, as opposed to dress uniforms. Usually plural.

“The soldiers changed into their fatigues to help clear the mud after the flood.”

“The recruits spent the afternoon in their olive-drab fatigues, performing the repetitive manual tasks required to maintain the base perimeter.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal

v. to make someone feel very tired.

v. to cause someone to become weary or exhausted through physical or mental effort.

“The long climb up the mountain fatigued the hikers.”

“The intense heat and humidity quickly fatigued the marathon runners, forcing many to drop out before the halfway mark.”

C2 · Proficiency Cooking Technical

v. to make salad leaves soft by adding dressing or heat.

v. to cause salad greens to wilt, typically by applying a hot dressing or through vigorous tossing.

“The chef used a warm bacon dressing to fatigue the spinach leaves.”

“To achieve the traditional texture of the dish, you must fatigue the greens just enough so they lose their crunch without becoming mushy.”