exertion

What does "exertion" mean?
Exertion refers to the act of applying significant physical or mental effort to achieve a goal. The mental image is that of someone pushing against a heavy weight or straining their focus to complete a difficult task, emphasizing the expenditure of energy. It is typically used in more formal contexts or when describing strenuous activities, such as sports, labor, or deep intellectual work. You will often hear it paired with adjectives like "physical," "mental," or "great" to describe the intensity of the effort involved.
"exertion" in conversation
After a long hike
I’m completely spent after that climb.
I’m completely spent after that climb.
Understandable, that level of physical exertion is no joke.
Understandable, that level of physical exertion is no joke.
Used to describe physical fatigue after intense activity.
Discussing a complex project
This report required a lot of mental exertion.
This report required a lot of mental exertion.
I can tell, it’s incredibly detailed.
I can tell, it’s incredibly detailed.
Used to describe the intensity of cognitive work.
"exertion" in a sentence
The athlete collapsed from physical exertion.
The athlete collapsed from physical exertion.
Writing the thesis required a great deal of mental exertion.
Writing the thesis required a great deal of mental exertion.
He sought to minimize his exertion by using a pulley system to lift the crates.
He sought to minimize his exertion by using a pulley system to lift the crates.