exertion

noun

ex·​er·​tion ig-ˈzər-shən How to pronounce exertion (audio)
: the act or an instance of exerting
especially : a laborious or perceptible effort

Examples of exertion in a Sentence

He was panting from the exertion of climbing the stairs. an easy sport that requires little physical exertion
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some levels of pain or discomfort, such as those created by the exertion of hard physical exercise, can have positive associations. Conor Purcell, Scientific American, 17 Jan. 2025 Muscles bulging and soaked in sweat, his face is etched in a grimace of extreme exertion. Sarah Shephard, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025 Through pursed-lip breathing, patients get better at pacing their breaths during exertion. Matt Fuchs, TIME, 24 Oct. 2024 In the news release, Franklin advised people to push or sweep snow rather than lifting and throwing it because that involves less exertion. Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for exertion 

Word History

First Known Use

1677, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of exertion was in 1677

Dictionary Entries Near exertion

Cite this Entry

“Exertion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exertion. Accessed 27 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

exertion

noun
ex·​er·​tion ig-ˈzər-shən How to pronounce exertion (audio)
: the act or an instance of exerting

More from Merriam-Webster on exertion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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