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

Explanation

Exertion is effort. Exercise requires physical exertion. Listening to great jazz requires mental exertion. What kind of exertion does jazzercise require? Perhaps too much. Ex– means out. Exertion means energy is coming out — so much so that when you’re done, you may feel exhausted. The opposite of ex- is in-, as in inertia — something you need exertion to overcome.

Example Sentences

She tries to control her symptoms by using pacing techniques - a strategy that balances rest and exertion to minimise post-exertional malaise.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

“Our power of thermoregulation meant that we . . . were able to operate at higher levels of exertion in hot conditions, and sustain a higher body temperature, than nearly all other mammals.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

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

From Barron's • Jan. 27, 2026

Chronic fatigue syndrome leaves many people completely drained of energy and struggling to think clearly, and their symptoms often worsen after mental or physical exertion -- a reaction known as post-exertional malaise.

From Science Daily • Nov. 10, 2025

Alex’s heart was racing, but he didn’t know if it was from the exertion or from seeing Kevin lying there.

From "The Dead and the Gone" by Susan Beth Pfeffer