# exertion

/ɪɡˈzɝʃən/ (US) · /ɛɡzˈɜːʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/exertion
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

the act of using a lot of physical or mental effort. It is the feeling of working hard to achieve something.

For teachers: the act of applying force or effort; the state of being physically or mentally active. Often used in medical contexts to describe the degree of physical activity.

## Examples

- The long hike required a lot of physical exertion.
- After a day of intense mental exertion, the students felt exhausted and ready for bed.
- The doctor monitored the patient's heart rate during the exertion to ensure the new medication was not causing any undue strain on his cardiovascular system.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.