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
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Additionally, older adults and children should avoid prolonged exposure, strenuous activities or heavy exertion, as conditions dictate. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2025 Lind’s film also documents the intense physical and mental exertion required of Isaac to pull off the role of Hamlet. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2025 The Pixel Watch 3 provides a Daily Readiness Score, Cardio Load, and Target Load to give you a sense of how well your body can handle exertion, how your fitness is progressing over time, and specific goals for your workout, respectively. PC Magazine, 24 Aug. 2025 These conditions could increase respiratory symptoms and breathing discomfort for sensitive groups and active people, and state health officials urged limiting outdoor exertion, according to a forecast from the National Weather Service (NWS). Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exertion

Word History

First Known Use

1677, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of exertion was in 1677

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exertion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exertion. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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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