English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
adj Uncommon

draining

DRAY-nihng

Draining (adj) means tiring; steadily using up energy or strength. Example: “It was an emotionally draining conversation.”

adj
1
Tiring; steadily using up energy or strength.
"It was an emotionally draining conversation."
noun
1
The act or process of removing liquid from something.
"Draining the pool takes about six hours."

How to Use Draining

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishExhausting, or the process of letting liquid flow away.

Common pairings
emotionally draining draining process

Word Forms

more draining comparative, drainings plural, most draining superlative

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “draining” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

It was an emotionally _____ conversation.

Related Words

Rhymes for draining

See all rhymes for draining →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “draining” mean?

The word “draining” means tiring; steadily using up energy or strength. In plain terms, exhausting, or the process of letting liquid flow away.

How do you pronounce “draining”?

“Draining” is pronounced DRAY-nihng (/ˈdɹeɪnɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “draining” in a sentence?

Here is “draining” used in a sentence: “It was an emotionally draining conversation.”

What part of speech is “draining”?

Depending on how it is used, “draining” can be an adjective and a noun.

Is “draining” a common word?

“Draining” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “draining” have?

“Draining” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: tiring; steadily using up energy or strength.

What is the difference between "draining" as an adjective and as a noun?

As an adjective, "draining" describes something tiring that steadily uses up energy or strength, such as a "draining day at work." As a noun, "draining" refers to the literal act or process of removing liquid from something, such as draining a pool.

Can "draining" describe emotional exhaustion as well as physical tiredness?

Yes, "draining" is commonly used for both physical and emotional exhaustion, describing anything that steadily uses up a person's energy or strength, whether that is a long shift, a difficult conversation, or ongoing stress.

People Also Searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial