exertion

noun

ex·​er·​tion ig-ˈzər-shən 

: the act or an instance of exerting

especially : a laborious or perceptible effort

Synonyms

• 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

Supersonic aircraft and enchanted broomsticks, remote controls and wands, both technology and magic ostensibly offer alternatives to physical exertion and enable otherwise impossible feats. —Literary Hub, 26 June 2025

When the humidity is factored in, the heat indices and wet bulb globe temperatures will be at dangerous levels for activity, exertion, and our infrastructure. —Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025

At least Eve is not an equity heroine; her exertions are simply more elegant than those of John Wick, who could survive a thud and rise up unperturbed. —Armond White, National Review, 11 June 2025

If the air quality becomes unhealthy, avoid physical exertion, including indoors. —Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 5 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1677, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for exertion

• assertion
• cistercian
• coercion
• desertion
• insertion
• mercian
• overexertion
• reassertion

Kids Definition

exertion

noun

ex·​er·​tion ig-ˈzər-shən 

: the act or an instance of exerting