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.

---

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

“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

"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

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

With a quick movement he jumped from bed, and began to pull on his clothes,—all the man in him awake at the need for instant exertion.

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker