Fatigue: Definition, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：extreme tiredness (fatigue)

fatigue 🔊

/fəˈtiːɡ/

Feeling very, very tired after doing a lot of physical or mental work, or when you are sick.

Fatigue illustration: person slumped on sofa showing extreme physical and mental exhaustion

extreme tiredness 🔊

➕

/ɪkˈstriːm ˈtaɪədnəs/

A state of extreme physical or mental exhaustion, often resulting from prolonged effort, illness, or lack of rest.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'fatigare', meaning 'to tire'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think: A FAT tiger (fat-igue) is too tired to run.

📖 Example

After running a full marathon, he experienced such deep fatigue that he could barely walk to his car. 🔊 After running a full marathon, he experienced such deep extreme tiredness that he could barely walk to his car.

🔗 Collocations

combat fatigue – to fight against tiredness

experience fatigue – to feel or undergo tiredness

chronic fatigue – long-lasting and persistent tiredness

🔄 Synonyms

exhaustion (n.) – a state of extreme physical or mental tiredness

weariness (n.) – the state of being tired, especially from long effort

lassitude (n.) – a state of physical or mental weariness; lack of energy

🚫 Antonyms

energy (n.) – the strength and vitality required for sustained activity

vigor (n.) – physical strength and good health

refreshment (n.) – the giving of fresh mental or physical strength or energy

🌱 Derivatives

fatigued (adj.) – feeling extremely tired; exhausted

fatiguing (adj.) – causing tiredness

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'fatigue' entered English from French in the 17th century, with its Latin root 'fatigare' meaning 'to weary'. Initially tied to physical exhaustion, its use expanded to mental and material weariness, reflecting the Industrial Era's focus on worker strain and material durability.