Deplete vs We're going to run out

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Deplete

Top 3,000 (common)B1

We're going to run out

Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: We're going to run out
 DepleteWe're going to run out
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //dɪˈpliːt//🇺🇸 //dɪˈpliːt//🇬🇧 //rʌn aʊt//🇺🇸 //rʌn aʊt//
Meaningto use up a supply or resourceWe will not have any more.
ExampleThe lake was depleted after the long drought.The team is concerned that we will run out of time before finishing the project.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 3,000 (common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR levelB1-
Collocationsdeplete resources, deplete supplies, severely deplete, gradually deplete, rapidly depleterun out of time, run out of gas, run out of money, run out of patience, run out of ideas
Antonymsfill, supply, restore-
Common mistakesConfused with 'deplete' vs 'depletion'., Using 'deplete' with an inanimate subject., Misusing the tense form, saying 'depleted' instead of 'deplete'.Confusing 'run out' with 'run over', which has a different meaning., Omitting the object, e.g., saying 'We're going to run out' without specifying what is running out.
Usage notesUse 'deplete' in formal contexts, such as environmental discussions. Avoid informal conversations.Use this expression to describe the depletion of resources. It's appropriate in both casual and formal contexts, but is more common in spoken English.

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We're going to run out

Frequently asked questions: Deplete vs We're going to run out

What's the difference between Deplete and We're going to run out?

Deplete: to use up a supply or resource We're going to run out: We will not have any more.

Which is more common: Deplete and We're going to run out?

We're going to run out is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Deplete: The lake was depleted after the long drought. We're going to run out: The team is concerned that we will run out of time before finishing the project.

Can I use Deplete and We're going to run out interchangeably?

Not always. Deplete and We're going to run out are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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