dead tired

Utterly worn out

Dead tired means utterly exhausted, so fatigued that continuing feels impossible.

The dead intensifies tired to its extreme—as if one lacks the energy even to move: I was dead tired after the twelve-hour shift.

The phrase is informal but common.

physical-exhaustion

exhausted

Utterly depleted of energy

drained · fatigued · sapped · depleted · enervated · prostrate · collapsed · weak · enfeebled · debilitated

mental-fatigue

brain fog

Cognitive sluggishness and confusion

can't think straight · spaced out · unfocused · scattered · numb · blank · glazed over · running on empty · burnt out · tapped out

overworked

burned out

Exhausted from overexertion

swamped · overwhelmed · stressed · strained · overloaded · snowed under · frazzled · stretched thin · at breaking point · taxed

sleepy

drowsy

Nearly falling asleep

nodding off · yawning · dozing · groggy · bleary-eyed · half-asleep · ready for bed · sleep-deprived · punch-drunk · foggy

Categories
Opposites
alertness/wakefulness

dead tiredwide awake

Totally alert and attentive

alert · sharp · keen · attentive · on the ball

Family

tired, tire, retire, retiring, tiring, retired, retirement, tires, tireless

Familiarity
Top 20,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G