Phrase guide

compassion fatigue

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

The exhaustion of the capacity to react with sympathy to another's misfortune owing to one's overexposure to their previous misfortunes.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: uncountable, usually

Examples

  • 2002, J. Eric Gentry, Compassion Fatigue: A Crucible of Transformation, Steven N Gold, Jan Faust, Trauma Practice in the Wake of September 11, 2001, 2013, page 47, A common thread we have found with sufferers of compassion fatigue symptoms has been the progressive loss in their sense of connection and community.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From compassion + fatigue.