Depletable

/dɪˈpliːtəbəl/ adjective

Definition

Able to be used up, reduced, or exhausted.

Etymology

From 'deplete' (from Latin 'de-' + 'plere' meaning to empty) + '-able' (capable of). The term emerged in environmental and resource management vocabulary in the 20th century.

Kelly Says

Oil companies don't like the word 'depletable' because it reminds people that fossil fuels will run out—it's technically accurate but sounds inconvenient to corporate profits.

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