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.
People with postexertional malaise, the worsening of symptoms following even minor physical or mental exertion, may be at a higher risk for adverse effects from the therapy, Faghy and Putrino point out. Clarissa Brincat, Scientific American, 1 June 2026 There are common sounds that accompany the struggle to bring contemporary ballet ideas to life — the clack of pointe shoes against the floor, heavy breathing from collective physical exertion and counting out loud. Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2026 At the competitive level, fencing requires a great deal of coordination and physical exertion. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 28 May 2026 Our hunter-gatherer ancestors did not need Pilates because their diet was healthy and their environment demanded physical exertion. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 27 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Exertion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exertion. Accessed 8 Jun. 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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