- To consume or use the entire supply of something, leaving none left.
Explanation
Origin
- Combines use (to employ for a purpose) with up (indicating completion or exhaustion).
- Up often signifies finishing something completely (e.g., eat up, drink up, finish up).
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Polish off (finish food or drink completely)
- Blow through (use resources quickly and often wastefully)
- Drain (deplete, often energy or finances)
Vulgar/Emphatic (expressing frustration at waste):
- Who the hell used up all the fucking hot water?
Milder/Formal:
- Deplete
- Exhaust the supply of
- Consume entirely
Situational Appropriateness
- Neutral.
- Common in everyday conversation and also acceptable in semi-formal contexts (e.g., discussing project resources). Deplete or exhaust might be preferred in very formal settings.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Fairly straightforward. Ensure distinction from just use (employ) use up means use *completely*.
- Be aware of the figurative meaning (exhausted).
- # DISCOURSE MARKERS & INTERJECTIONS (Adding Native Flavor)
Examples
- We used up all the milk, so I need to buy more.
- Don't use up all the printer paper.
- The project used up most of our budget.
- I feel completely used up after that long week. (Figurative: exhausted)
Dialogue
Context
Child: Mom, can I have some cereal?
Mom: I think we used up all the milk this morning, sweetie. Let me check.
(Checks fridge)
Mom: Yep, it's all gone. We'll have to get some more later. You can have toast instead for now.
Child: Okay.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Pretty sure I used up all my social energy for the month this weekend. Need to recharge! #introvertproblems #exhausted
- Facebook Post: Baking frenzy! I think I used up half my pantry ingredients. Hope everyone enjoys the cookies! #baking #holidaytreats
- Forum Question: My phone battery seems to use up its charge much faster now. Any tips to improve battery life? #techhelp #smartphone
Response Patterns
- Annoyance/Complaint: Oh great, now we have none left! / Why did you use it all?
- Statement of fact: Okay, I'll add it to the shopping list.
- Instruction/Warning: Okay, I'll be careful. / Try to conserve it.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After something is used up:
- Plan to replenish: I'll buy more tomorrow. / Can you pick some up?
- Discuss alternatives: What can we use instead?
- If figurative (exhaustion): Express sympathy, suggest rest.
Conversation Starter
- No. Typically used within a conversation about supplies, resources, or energy levels.
Intonation
- Stress usually falls on USE and UP, and often on the resource being consumed.
- We USED UP all the MILK. / Don't USE UP the PAper.
Generation Differences
- Used by all generations.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions.