depletion

Vocabulary Word

Definition

'Depletion' is when you gradually use up something, often something important or valuable. Imagine if each guest at a party took a handful of confetti until the bowl was empty, that would be depletion.

Examples in Different Contexts

In finance, depletion is a method to allocate an asset's cost over its anticipated useful life. For instance, an accountant might state, 'The depletion of our coal mine's value should be accounted for over the next 20 years.'

Practice Scenarios

Impact

Scenario:

Poor farming techniques along with overuse of chemical fertilizers have been adversely affecting the fertility of our soils.

Response:

Agreed, improper agricultural practices are leading to rapid soil depletion and loss of fertility.

Creative

Scenario:

I've just finished a large creative project. I could use a little break to replenish my creative juices.

Response:

After completing my recent project, I am indeed experiencing a bit of creative depletion.