What does fatigue mean Meaning and Definition
What does fatigue mean
Pronunciation
/fəˈtiːɡ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A physical, mental, or emotional state of being extremely tired, weak, or lacking in energy, resulting from prolonged physical or mental activity, stress, or other factors.
Examples
- The marathon runner felt fatigue after completing the grueling course.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome can cause debilitating symptoms that last for years.
Synonyms
- Exhaustion
- Weary
- Tiredness
Antonyms
- Vitality
- Energetic
- Vigor
Additional Information
Fatigue is a common symptom of many medical conditions, including anemia, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis. It can also be caused by lifestyle factors such as lack of sleep, poor nutrition, and stress.
Chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, is a debilitating condition characterized by persistent fatigue that is not relieved by rest.
Fatigue can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, making it difficult to perform daily activities, maintain relationships, and enjoy hobbies.
Etymology
The word “fatigue” comes from the French language, derived from the Latin word “fatigare,” meaning “to tire” or “to weary.”
Usage Notes
Fatigue can be used to describe both physical and mental states of exhaustion. In medical contexts, it is often used to describe a specific symptom or condition.
In everyday language, fatigue can be used to describe feelings of tiredness or exhaustion, such as “I’m feeling fatigued after a long day at work.”
Cultural References
Fatigue has been referenced in popular culture, such as in the movie “The Matrix” where the main character Neo experiences fatigue after being awakened to the true nature of reality.
In literature, fatigue has been explored in works such as “The Stranger” by Albert Camus, where the protagonist experiences emotional fatigue and disconnection.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Burnout: a state of physical, mental, or emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged stress or overwork.
- Running on fumes: to be extremely tired or exhausted, often due to lack of sleep or rest.
Related Words or Phrases
- Exhaustion
- Weary
- Tiredness
- Lehargy
Collocations
- Fatigue symptoms
- Fatigue syndrome
- Chronic fatigue
- Mental fatigue
- Physical fatigue
Frequency of Use
Fatigue is a relatively common word in modern language, often used in medical and everyday contexts.
According to Google Ngram, the word “fatigue” has been steadily increasing in usage since the 19th century.
Common Misspellings
- Fatigue – fatiuge
- Fatigue – fatiguee
- Fatigue – fague