used-up

IPA/jˈuːzdˈʌp/
IPA/jˈuːzdˈʌp/

used-up — verb

  • used-uppresent simple I / you / we / they
  • used-ups3rd person singular
  • used-upping-ing form
  • used-uppedpast simple

1. to use all of a supply, amount, or source of energy so that little or nothing re

1.verbtransitiveB1
Definition

to use all of a supply, amount, or source of energy so that little or nothing remains

Example

By Thursday, Noa had used up all the printer paper in class.

use up all + supply noun

The hospital used up its emergency masks during the long heat wave.

Common collocations
  • use up all the milk
  • use up your savings
  • use up battery power
  • use it up
Synonyms
  • exhaust

    more formal, and often used for supplies, strength, or patience

  • deplete

    formal and common in writing about resources or reserves

  • run through

    more informal, often suggesting quick spending or use

Antonyms
  • save

    to keep some of a supply instead of finishing it

  • conserve

    to use something carefully so it lasts longer

Grammar Patterns

use something up

use up something

use it up

Usage Note

Usually takes something that can run out, such as money, paper, fuel, or battery power. When the object is a pronoun, it normally goes before 'up': 'use it up'.

Common Mistakes

We used up it before lunch.
We used it up before lunch.
when the object is a pronoun, it usually goes between 'use' and 'up'.
The storm used our batteries out.
The storm used up our batteries.
this phrasal verb takes 'up', not 'out'.
Idioms

use something up

idiom

to finish the last part of a supply so there is none left for later use

Kabir used up the last eggs before the bakery opened.

After the blackout, neighbors used up every candle in the hallway cupboard.

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

This expression combines the verb 'use' with the particle 'up'. In English, 'up' often shows that an action reaches its limit, so 'use up' came to mean finishing a supply, amount, or store of energy completely.

First known use

1712

1712, in the meaning defined above