exertion

noun

ex·​er·​tion ig-ˈzər-shən 

: the act or an instance of exerting

especially : a laborious or perceptible effort

Synonyms of exertion

• activity
• conditioning
• exercise

Examples of exertion in a Sentence

He was panting from the exertion of climbing the stairs.

an easy sport that requires little physical exertion

Recent Examples on the Web

Not just because of the fresh air, physical exertion, and breathtaking landscape. — Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2026

The agency is asking people to avoid prolonged or heavy exertion and to limit time outdoors. — Kristi Miller, Twin Cities, 19 July 2026

The general public should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion outside and consider moving them indoors. — Mike Stunson, USA Today, 17 July 2026

Benjamin Powers, at the Haskins Global Literacy Hub, told me that students arrive in elementary school with a poor ability to maintain focus and a low tolerance for mental exertion. — Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1676, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for exertion

• assertion
• cistercian
• coercion
• desertion
• insertion
• mercian
• tertian
• overexertion
• reassertion

Kids Definition

exertion

noun

ex·​er·​tion ig-ˈzər-shən 

: the act or an instance of exerting