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

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

Esteban Trueba collapsed into a chair, thoroughly drained from the exertion.

From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende