athleticism

noun

ath·​let·​i·​cism ath-ˈle-tə-ˌsi-zəm 

: athletic ability : the combination of qualities (such as speed, strength, and agility) that are characteristic of an athlete

These days they do standing backflips and other moves that require a high degree of athleticism—and endless practice.

—Cathy Booth Thomas

Examples of athleticism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Thiero delivered a breakaway windmill dunk in the second quarter Friday that brought cheers from the fans, a moment in which the second-year Lakers forward displayed his athleticism. — Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026

The athleticism, the finesse, the elation, the disappointment, the cheers. — Amrit Dhir, New York Daily News, 11 July 2026

To compete at the highest level in any sport requires athleticism or a combination of physical attributes, such as speed, strength, power, agility and coordination. — Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Her younger brothers have inherited the Gauff athleticism gene as well, according to a profile for Teen Vogue. — Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1835, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for athleticism

• shamanism