exertion
noun
ex·er·tion
ig-ˈzər-shən 
: the act or an instance of exerting
especially
: a laborious or perceptible effort
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
Most likely the decedent’s physical exertion contributed to death.
—
Audra D. S. Burch, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2023
Despite how difficult her illness made physical exertion, Wells was reluctant to stop dancing—a reluctance that was interpreted by doctors as yet another sign of her mental illness.
—Hannah Zeavin, The New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2023
For the purposes of the study, participants wore exercise trackers to quantify their physical exertion.
—Rachel Murphy, Verywell Health, 6 Sep. 2023
Optimal hydration with balanced electrolytes allows muscles to contract efficiently during workouts or physical exertion.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 28 Aug. 2023
Money is tight because of medical expenses to treat long COVID symptoms that leave her fatigued after exertion.
—Fenit Nirappil, Anchorage Daily News, 7 Aug. 2023
As someone who has struggled with chronic body pain, oftentimes exertion would cause my legs and feet in particular to feel quite heavy and achy.
—Roxanne Adamiyatt, Town & Country, 29 July 2023
And, even by Messi’s insouciant standards, his exertions on Friday were minimal.
—Jody Rosen, The New Yorker, 23 July 2023
The agency recommends limiting outdoor exertion, especially for children, those with respiratory illnesses and older adults.
—Erin Couch, The Enquirer, 3 Aug. 2023
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Audra D. S. Burch, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2023
Despite how difficult her illness made physical exertion, Wells was reluctant to stop dancing—a reluctance that was interpreted by doctors as yet another sign of her mental illness.
—Hannah Zeavin, The New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2023
For the purposes of the study, participants wore exercise trackers to quantify their physical exertion.
—Rachel Murphy, Verywell Health, 6 Sep. 2023
Optimal hydration with balanced electrolytes allows muscles to contract efficiently during workouts or physical exertion.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 28 Aug. 2023
Money is tight because of medical expenses to treat long COVID symptoms that leave her fatigued after exertion.
—Fenit Nirappil, Anchorage Daily News, 7 Aug. 2023
As someone who has struggled with chronic body pain, oftentimes exertion would cause my legs and feet in particular to feel quite heavy and achy.
—Roxanne Adamiyatt, Town & Country, 29 July 2023
And, even by Messi’s insouciant standards, his exertions on Friday were minimal.
—Jody Rosen, The New Yorker, 23 July 2023
The agency recommends limiting outdoor exertion, especially for children, those with respiratory illnesses and older adults.
—Erin Couch, The Enquirer, 3 Aug. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'exertion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1677, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near exertion
Cite this Entry
“Exertion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exertion. Accessed 4 Oct. 2023.
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Kids Definition
exertion
noun
ex·er·tion
ig-ˈzər-shən
: the act or an instance of exerting
More from Merriam-Webster on exertion
Nglish: Translation of exertion for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of exertion for Arabic Speakers
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