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

“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

By changing the information traveling from the muscles to the brain, vibration appears to reshape how movement and exertion are perceived.

From Science Daily • Jan. 8, 2026

He was still upon the ground, but his arms were long, and his huge hand held me fast while the bells of his hat tinkled with the force of his exertion.

From "Crispin: The Cross of Lead" by Avi