(しょうもう)

しょうもう
noun, suru verb
consumption, exhaustion, wear and tear
1. consumption, exhaustion, depletion
The gradual using up or wearing down of resources, energy, materials, or physical/mental stamina through use.
体力(たいりょく)消耗(しょうもう)(はげ)しい。
The drain on my stamina is severe.
バッテリーの消耗(しょうもう)(はや)いので交換(こうかん)した。
The battery was draining quickly, so I replaced it.
長時間(ちょうじかん)会議(かいぎ)精神的(せいしんてき)消耗(しょうもう)した。
The long meeting left me mentally drained.

USAGE:
Can describe both physical consumption (materials, energy, batteries) and mental/emotional exhaustion. The compound 消耗品(しょうもうひん) (consumable goods/supplies) is very common in business and daily life.

Also read as しょうこう in some older or formal contexts, but しょうもう is standard in modern Japanese.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 消耗品(しょうもうひん): consumable goods, supplies
  • 体力(たいりょく)消耗(しょうもう)する: to exhaust one's stamina
  • 消耗(しょうもう)(はげ)しい: heavy consumption/wear
  • 消耗(しょうもう)(せん): war of attrition
  • 精神的(せいしんてき)消耗(しょうもう)する: to be mentally drained