strenuous

UK: /ˈstrɛnjʊəs/ US: /ˈstrɛnjuəs/ ,(stren′yo̅o̅ əs)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

stren•u•ous /ˈstrɛnyuəs/   adj. 

1. characterized by or requiring strong, vigorous activity:
   Strenuous exercise could reinjure your muscles.
2. • intensely active;
     energetic:
     a strenuous intellect.
   • ardent;
     spirited:
     The lawyer raised strenuous objections to the proceedings.

stren•u•ous•ly, adv.:

She objected strenuously to the remarks by the witness.

stren•u•ous•ness, n. [uncountable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

stren•u•ous  (stren′yo̅o̅ əs), adj. 

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.
3. vigorous, energetic, or zealously active:
   a strenuous person; a strenuous intellect.

• Latin strēnuus; see -ous
• 1590–1600

stren′u•ous•ly, adv. 
stren′u•ous•ness, stren•u•os•i•ty  (stren′yo̅o̅ os′i tē), n.  Synonyms

• 3. forceful. See active. 

Antonyms

• 2. easy.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

strenuous / ˈstrɛnjʊəs/ adjective

1. requiring or involving the use of great energy or effort
2. characterized by great activity, effort, or endeavour

Etymology: 16th Century: from Latin strēnuus brisk, vigorous

ˈstrenuousness, strenuosity / ˌstrɛnjʊˈɒsɪtɪ/ noun

ˈstrenuously adverb