zonked
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/zɒŋkt/
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It describes a state of extreme fatigue or intoxication, often implying that a person is too exhausted or drugged to function.
Examples
- The kids were zonked from staying up late gaming.
- After three shots, Mark was completely zonked.
- He looked zonked after pulling an all‑night shift.
- The drug left her zonked, unable to focus on anything.
- Even the coffee couldn't wake him; he was still zonked.
Similar words
blitzed
weary
exhausted
smashed
fatigued
high
knackeredwasted
drained
spent
Meanings
Usage
Use zonked for a state of deep fatigue that goes beyond ordinary tiredness.
Examples
- After the marathon, she was completely zonked.
- He looked zonked after pulling an all‑night shift.
- The kids were zonked from staying up late gaming.
- She felt zonked and could barely keep her eyes open.
- Even the coffee couldn't wake him; he was still zonked.
- By sunrise, the hikers were zonked and needed a rest.
Common mistakes
The word is often used for mild fatigue, but zonked implies a much deeper exhaustion.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| I felt zonked after a short walk.
| I felt exhausted after a short walk.
|
| She is zonked from the coffee.
| She is jittery from the coffee.
|
| He zonked the exam.
| He failed the exam.
|
Similar words
exhausted
fatigued
drained
wiped out
spent
knackeredbeat
weary
Usage
Use zonked when describing someone who is heavily drunk or high, especially in informal contexts.
Examples
- After three shots, Mark was completely zonked.
- She got zonked at the club and couldn't remember the night.
- The comedian's jokes left the audience zonked, laughing uncontrollably.
- He was zonked on the couch, barely able to speak.
- The drug left her zonked, unable to focus on anything.
- They were zonked after the festival and needed coffee.
Common mistakes
The term is sometimes applied to mild states, but zonked suggests a severe level of intoxication.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| He was zonked after drinking water.
| He was refreshed after drinking water.
|
| She felt zonked after the lecture.
| She felt bored after the lecture.
|
| The party was zonked.
| The party was lively.
|
Similar words
intoxicated
drunk
high
wasted
blitzed
hammered
smashed
plastered
Usage
Use zonked to describe someone who is extremely tired or heavily intoxicated; pick the sense that matches the context.
Common mistakes
It is often confused with ‘tired’, but zonked implies a much deeper exhaustion or intoxication.
Etymology
First recorded in the 1950s in American slang, the origin of the word is uncertain.
FAQ
What does zonked mean in everyday conversation?
It means extremely tired or exhausted, often after a long period without rest.
Can zonked refer to being drunk or high?
Yes, it can describe someone who is heavily intoxicated by alcohol or drugs.
Is zonked considered formal or informal?
It is an informal, slang term.
When did the word zonked first appear?
The earliest recorded use is from the 1950s in American slang.
Is there a verb form of zonked?
Yes, it is the past tense of the verb zonk, meaning to cause someone to become exhausted or to fail.
What are some synonyms for zonked?
Synonyms include exhausted, fatigued, drained, wiped out, spent, knackered, beat, and weary.
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