application vs exertion

application and exertion both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
application	Yes	No	No	No
exertion	Yes	No	No	No

As nouns, exertion is a hypernym of application; that is, exertion is a word with a broader meaning than application:

Other hypernyms of application include effort, elbow grease, sweat, travail.

application (noun)	exertion (noun)
the action of putting something into operation	use of physical or mental energy; hard work
a diligent effort
the act of bringing something to bear; using it for a particular purpose
the work of applying something
liquid preparation having a soothing or antiseptic or medicinal action when applied to the skin
a verbal or written request for assistance or employment or admission to a school
a program that gives a computer instructions that provide the user with tools to accomplish a task