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Definition of exhaustive

exhaustive

/ɪɡˈzɔːstɪv/
ex · haus · tive
Adverb:exhaustively
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exhaustive Lexical Profile

exhaustive Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Examining, including, or considering all elements or aspects; fully comprehensive and thorough.

Example

"The research team conducted an exhaustive review of the clinical data before publishing their findings."

2

Tending to deplete, drain, or use up resources completely.

Example

"Decades of exhaustive farming practices left the soil depleted of essential nutrients."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'exhaustive' (meaning comprehensive, thorough, and considering all possibilities) with 'exhausting' (meaning physically or mentally tiring).

• Rhymes for exhaustive

• Nearby Words

exhausting
exhaustingly
exhaustion
exhaustive
exhaustively
exhaustiveness
exhibit

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the late 18th century from the verb 'exhaust', which derives from the Latin 'exhaustus' (past participle of 'exhaurire', meaning 'to draw out' or 'to empty completely'), combined with the suffix '-ive'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Exhaustive. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/exhaustive
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