1
: the quality or state of being fit
2
: the capacity of an organism to survive and transmit its genotype to reproductive offspring as compared to competing organisms
also
: the contribution of an allele or genotype to the gene pool of subsequent generations as compared to that of other alleles or genotypes
Examples of fitness in a Sentence
a gymnastics program promoting fitness and agility in school-aged children
I have to question the fitness of wearing a bright red dress to a funeral.
Recent Examples on the Web
Accessibility Rooms for those with mobility needs are in place, and the fitness club, pool, spa, and public bathrooms also address accessibility concerns.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026
If Reece James and Tino Livramento can’t prove their fitness ahead of the tournament, Tuchel may opt for full-backs playing on the wrong side, such as Lewis Hall, Djed Spence or Myles Lewis-Skelly over Alexander-Arnold.
—The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 13 May 2026
Researchers then divided participants into three categories of cardiorespiratory fitness—low, medium, and high—and compared these levels with both lifespan and the development of 11 chronic conditions, including heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and cancer.
—Sarah Garone, Health, 13 May 2026
Typically, when a defense attorney raises questions about their client’s mental fitness, judges refer such cases to the mental health court in Hollywood.
—James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for fitness
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Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026
If Reece James and Tino Livramento can’t prove their fitness ahead of the tournament, Tuchel may opt for full-backs playing on the wrong side, such as Lewis Hall, Djed Spence or Myles Lewis-Skelly over Alexander-Arnold.
—The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 13 May 2026
Researchers then divided participants into three categories of cardiorespiratory fitness—low, medium, and high—and compared these levels with both lifespan and the development of 11 chronic conditions, including heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and cancer.
—Sarah Garone, Health, 13 May 2026
Typically, when a defense attorney raises questions about their client’s mental fitness, judges refer such cases to the mental health court in Hollywood.
—James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for fitness
Cite this Entry
“Fitness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fitness. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
fitness
noun
fit·ness
ˈfit-nəs 
: the capacity of an organism to survive and transmit its genotype to reproductively fertile offspring as compared to competing organisms
also
: the contribution of an allele or genotype to the gene pool of subsequent generations as compared to that of other alleles or genotypes
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