exertion

American  

[ig-zur-shuhn] / ɪgˈzɜr ʃən /

noun

1. vigorous action or effort.

   physical and mental exertion.

   Synonyms:

   strain, activity, attempt, struggle, endeavor

2. an effort.

   a great exertion to help others.

3. exercise, as of power or faculties.

4. an instance of this.

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Related Words

See effort.

Other Word Forms

• nonexertion noun
• self-exertion noun
• superexertion noun

Etymology

Origin of exertion

First recorded in 1660–70; exert + -ion

Example Sentences

Between the travel and the exertion, I was incredibly fatigued.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

"My body has lost the ability to recover from exertion," he says.

From BBC • Feb. 1, 2026

The trackers can help monitor physical exertion, stress levels and heart rate.

From Barron's • Jan. 27, 2026

The challenge, he said, is the overall physical exertion — he expects the feat will test his endurance more than his climbing skills.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 23, 2026

By the time the bell finally rang, I’d almost passed out from the exertion of trying to make time speed up.

From "Keep It Together, Keiko Carter" by Debbi Michiko Florence