exertion

noun

ex·​er·​tion ig-ˈzər-shən 

: the act or an instance of exerting

especially : a laborious or perceptible effort

Synonyms of exertion

• 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

The Bureau of Labor Statistics defines physically demanding jobs as those that require certain levels and durations of physical exertion, such as climbing, heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, standing or walking. — Lorie Konish, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026

Adidas Running Hydration & Matcha Ritual Vest, which reimagines the traditional running vest as an on-the-go matcha kit for runners balancing exertion with recovery. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026

Lula very pointedly locates the threat differently, emphasizing the ability to resist a foreign power’s undue exertions of leverage. — Andre Pagliarini, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026

Ayuso possibly lacks the top-end explosivity, while surely Mas’ legs are not in race-winning shape given his exertions over the past month — but the Mallorcan is in the form of his career. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1676, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for exertion

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

Kids Definition

exertion

noun

ex·​er·​tion ig-ˈzər-shən 

: the act or an instance of exerting