exertion

American  

[ig-zur-shuhn] / ɪgˈzɜr ʃən /

noun

• exertions
  plural

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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Synonym Usage

See effort.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonexertion
  noun
• self-exertion
  noun
• superexertion
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• exertions
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of exertion

First recorded in 1660–70; exert + -ion

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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

See Examples For:

exertion exertions

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs are physically demanding when they require sustained exertion such as climbing, heavy lifting, standing or walking.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 24, 2026

As a result of the physical exertion, the former chef claims that she “became dizzy, began choking and gasping for air, and required assistance from security personnel, who intervened by providing water and aid.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 25, 2026

As in various countries, authorities there urged citizens to take extra care of vulnerable people, drink water and avoid exertion at the hottest hours.

From Barron's ● Jun. 23, 2026

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

Or, for that matter, engage in any kind of physical exertion.

From "Paper Towns" by John Green

It seemed certain he would be involved at the start of pre-season, when the majority of United's senior players would be absent after their World Cup exertions.

From BBC ● Oct. 5, 2026

It was a hangover from the mental and physical exertions spent over the whole Bethpage cycle.

From BBC ● Mar. 4, 2026

Newcastle's exertions in securing a 1-1 draw away to European champions Paris Saint-Germain in midweek, while Liverpool cruised to a 6-0 win over Qarabag at home in the Champions League, showed after the break.

From Barron's ● Jan. 31, 2026

But Celtic faded badly in the second period after their midweek European exertions as Hearts filled the home crowd with belief that the Old Firm stranglehold can be broken.

From Barron's ● Oct. 26, 2025

I imagined the silence of the hall when I struck the last chord; my bow wavering in silence; and me standing alone before the faces of a mob unimpressed by my exertions.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party" by M.T. Anderson

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