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.
As Qatar in high summer is rather inconsistent with any form of physical exertion, the 2022 World Cup had to be shifted to a November-December time frame. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 5 Dec. 2025 For the general public, the EPA advises reducing the duration or intensity of outdoor exertion and taking frequent breaks to minimize exposure. Associate News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025 Traditionally, performance had been an unhealthy model, defined by maximum physical exertion and exhaustion, as in the lives of jazz musicians in the 1940s and ’50s. Diedrich Diederichsen, Artforum, 1 Dec. 2025 Functional capacity, a predictor of heart health, is your ability to perform daily tasks that require physical exertion, such as walking up stairs or carrying groceries. Melanie Radzicki McManus, CNN Money, 16 Nov. 2025 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 17 Dec. 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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