# spoons

/ˈspunz/ (US) · /spˈuːnz/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

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

## Definition

the amount of energy you have to get through the day. People with chronic illnesses use this to explain how much effort simple tasks take.

For teachers: a metaphorical unit of measurement representing the finite amount of mental or physical energy available for daily activities. Often used within the chronic illness and neurodivergent communities to describe energy management.

## Examples

- I don't have enough spoons to go out tonight.
- After a long day of meetings, I used up all my spoons and just needed to sit in a quiet room.
- The theory suggests that while healthy individuals have an effectively unlimited supply of energy, those with chronic conditions must carefully budget their spoons to avoid total physical exhaustion.

## Usage notes

- Usually used in the plural; frequently appears in the phrase 'to have enough spoons' or 'to run out of spoons'.

---

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.