strenuous

[ stren-yoo-uhs ]

adjective

1. characterized by vigorous exertion, as action, efforts, life, etc.:

   a strenuous afternoon of hunting.

2. demanding or requiring vigorous exertion; laborious:

   To think deeply is a strenuous task.

   Antonyms: easy

3. vigorous, energetic, or zealously active:

   a strenuous person; a strenuous intellect.

   Synonyms: forceful

strenuous

/ ˈstrɛnjʊəs; ˌstrɛnjʊˈɒsɪtɪ /

adjective

1. requiring or involving the use of great energy or effort
2. characterized by great activity, effort, or endeavour

Derived Forms

• strenuosity, noun
• ˈstrenuously, adverb

Other Words From

• strenu·ous·ly adverb
• strenu·ous·ness stren·u·os·i·ty [stren-yoo-, os, -i-tee], noun
• quasi-strenu·ous adjective
• quasi-strenu·ous·ly adverb
• super·strenu·ous adjective
• super·strenu·ous·ly adverb
• super·strenu·ous·ness noun
• un·strenu·ous adjective
• un·strenu·ous·ly adverb
• un·strenu·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of strenuous¹

1590–1600; < Latin strēnuus; -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of strenuous¹

C16: from Latin strēnuus brisk, vigorous

Synonym Study

See active.

Example Sentences

It was one of the biggest moments of the postseason, one of the most strenuous moments of his career, yet he performed like a champion.

From Los Angeles Times

The temperature is set at a chilly 68-70 degrees, because body heat rises with such strenuous exertion.

From Los Angeles Times

He was not able to move back to Seyabo, as life there often involves taking strenuous hikes through the mountains.

From BBC

"The message we wanted to deliver through the documentary was not that our job is hard and strenuous," Chaewon says.

From BBC

But over the last four years, and particularly since the attack on the US Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, the task of ensuring free and fair elections has become increasingly strenuous.

From Salon

Related Words

• arduous
• demanding
• exhausting
• laborious
• taxing
• uphill