To feel drained means to feel completely emptied of energy, as if someone pulled a plug and let all your strength flow out. After running around at recess, taking a hard math test, and staying up late the night before, you might feel absolutely drained by the end of the school day.

The word comes from the idea of draining water from something, like emptying a bathtub or draining a swamp. When you're drained, it's as though your energy has been poured out, leaving you tired, weak, and worn down. A long day of swimming can leave you feeling drained. Helping a friend through a difficult problem might leave you emotionally drained, even if you weren't doing anything physical.

The word drained is stronger than just “tired.” When you're tired, you might still push through. When you're drained, you feel like you have nothing left to give. You might say “That basketball game completely drained me” or “I felt drained after the big performance.” Rest, food, and sleep usually help when you're feeling drained, but sometimes you just need time to recharge, like a battery that's run all the way down.