strenuous

[stren-yoo-uhs]

adjective

1. characterized by vigorous exertion, as action, efforts, life, etc..

   a strenuous afternoon of hunting.

2. demanding or requiring vigorous exertion; laborious.

   To think deeply is a strenuous task.

   Antonyms: easy

3. vigorous, energetic, or zealously active.

   a strenuous person; a strenuous intellect.

   Synonyms: forceful

strenuous

/ ˈstrɛnjʊəs, ˌstrɛnjʊˈɒsɪtɪ /

adjective

1. requiring or involving the use of great energy or effort

2. characterized by great activity, effort, or endeavour

Other Word Forms

• strenuously adverb
• strenuousness noun
• strenuosity noun
• quasi-strenuous adjective
• quasi-strenuously adverb
• superstrenuous adjective
• superstrenuously adverb
• superstrenuousness noun
• unstrenuous adjective
• unstrenuously adverb
• unstrenuousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of strenuous¹

1590–1600; < Latin strēnuus; -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of strenuous¹

C16: from Latin strēnuus brisk, vigorous

Synonym Study

See active.

Example Sentences

It is thought that by limiting the oxygen available and causing damage to motor neurone cells, regular, strenuous exercise can trigger the disease in those already genetically susceptible.

From BBC

It didn’t matter that he was often pitching on short rest, or through injuries and strenuous workloads, or in situations no other pitcher would have ever been tasked.

From Los Angeles Times

But creating that magic requires weeks of strenuous work, Arevalo said.

From Los Angeles Times

Mobility drills between his most strenuous exercises, which increased his core stability and the range of motion in his hips.

From Los Angeles Times

Tucked underneath a blanket and with her headphones firmly on, she quickly fell asleep after a strenuous day of travel.

From BBC

Related Words

• arduous 
• demanding 
• exhausting 
• laborious 
• taxing 
• uphill