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

• strenuosity noun
• strenuously adverb
• strenuousness 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

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

County are expected to be just below the heat advisory threshold, residents are still advised to limit strenuous outdoor activity and watch out for signs of heat sickness.

From Los Angeles Times

As temperatures rise, officials caution the public to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activities and check on those who are vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

From Los Angeles Times

Chelsea played three of its seven games in temperatures described by local weather authorities as “extreme,” meaning people were told to avoid strenuous physical activity or, in some cases, to even avoid going outdoors.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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