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

These cells use a common pressure-sensitive channel called PIEZO1 to help bones adapt to physical exertion. — New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026

Vasagar says a potassium imbalance can happen immediately, while symptoms related to exertion may take 24 to 48 hours. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 4 Nov. 2026

Her father told The New York Times that she’d been stricken with rhabdomyolysis, a rare condition in which muscles can break down during exertion, poisoning the body. — Larry Neumeister, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026

Rachel Apa, the 24-year-old runner who died Sunday after competing in the New York City Marathon, had rhabdomyolysis — a rare but life-threatening condition that can be brought on by extreme physical exertion. — Patrick Martin, NBC news, 3 Nov. 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