Homonym: Deplete (Exhaust)
To "deplete" means to reduce the quantity or amount of something significantly. This term is often used in contexts such as natural resources, where overuse can lead to a shortage. For example, when we extract too much oil from the ground, we deplete the available reserves, making it harder to find and access in the future.
Depletion can also refer to the reduction of nutrients in soil, which affects agriculture. When farmers continuously grow crops without replenishing the soil, they deplete essential minerals, leading to lower crop yields. Sustainable practices are important to prevent such depletion and maintain ecological balance.