depletion meaning and examples thumbnail

depletion meaning and examples

2025-10-27

Meaning

  • Depletion means the reduction or exhaustion of something, especially a natural resource, energy, or supply. It refers to the process of using up or draining a resource until it becomes scarce or empty.

Grammar and Usage

  • Part of speech: noun (uncountable)

  • Common pattern:

    • depletion of + noun → depletion of resources, depletion of energy, depletion of funds
    • Often used in scientific, environmental, or economic contexts.

Examples of usage:

  • “The depletion of natural resources is a major global concern.”
  • “Long working hours can lead to the depletion of mental energy.”

Common Phrases

  • resource depletion – exhaustion of natural resources
  • ozone depletion – thinning of the ozone layer
  • energy depletion – loss of energy or stamina
  • nutrient depletion – reduction of nutrients in soil or body

Collocations

  • verbs: cause depletion, lead to depletion, prevent depletion
  • adjectives: severe depletion, rapid depletion, gradual depletion
  • nouns: depletion of energy, depletion of resources, depletion of funds

Examples

  1. Overfishing has caused severe depletion of fish stocks in the ocean.
  2. The company faced financial depletion after several failed investments.
  3. Ozone depletion increases the amount of harmful UV radiation reaching the Earth.
  4. Continuous mining activities result in the depletion of mineral reserves.
  5. His energy depletion was evident after working for 12 hours straight.
  6. Deforestation contributes to the depletion of biodiversity.
  7. The government introduced policies to prevent further depletion of groundwater.
  8. Vitamin depletion can lead to serious health problems.
  • exhaustion
  • reduction
  • consumption
  • diminution
  • drain

Antonym

  • replenishment
  • restoration
  • renewal