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

Out comes a guttural groan, her exertion a tight whip cracking open a black hole of pain. — Literary Hub, 25 June 2026

Intense exertion in high levels of heat and humidity could have dire health effects. — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 12 June 2026

Strong exertions of such power have waxed and waned throughout American history. — Henry Gass, Christian Science Monitor, 14 June 2026

To stay safe, people should stay indoors whenever possible, keep well-hydrated, and take frequent breaks from any exertion. — Scott Neuman, NPR, 30 June 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