exertion

noun

ex·​er·​tion ig-ˈzər-shən How to pronounce exertion (audio)
Synonyms of exertionnext
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Wei suggests staying hydrated, avoiding unnecessary exertion while outdoors during those days, maintaining a stable indoor temperature when possible, and keeping medications available. Dr. Megan Still, ABC News, 20 Apr. 2026 Its attacks on private property and exertion of state control over industry have caused its economic fortunes to fall behind its neighbors. Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026 Jessica Scott, an exercise physiologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, worked on early prototypes for NASA, anticipating that astronauts would be vulnerable to rapid muscle atrophy without physical exertion. Katia Riddle, NPR, 9 Apr. 2026 Amid such a tumult of exertion and indulgence, the art of directing may seem like an afterthought or a footnote to the sheer volume of creative work that occurs even when the camera isn’t rolling. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exertion

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1676, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of exertion was circa 1676

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exertion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exertion. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

exertion

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

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