exertion

noun

ex·​er·​tion ig-ˈzər-shən How to pronounce exertion (audio)
: 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 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

Time Traveler
The first known use of exertion was in 1677

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.

Kids Definition

exertion

noun
ex·​er·​tion ig-ˈzər-shən How to pronounce exertion (audio)
: the act or an instance of exerting

More from Merriam-Webster on exertion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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