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

Their grey hairs and perhaps softer physiques, things that many of us will be forced to reckon with over time, are juxtaposed with an athleticism that seems superhuman to someone acutely aware of how much even just sleeping wrong can hurt after a certain age. —Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 21 Dec. 2025

Dancers Lauren Christie, who also served as rehearsal director, and Cecily Holcombe were especially proficient in the works, and demonstrated an impressive athleticism. —Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Dec. 2025

Hypothetically, Kuminga would provide the size (6-foot-7) and athleticism the team desperately needs on both sides of the ball. —Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 20 Dec. 2025

Instead of using a true center, power forwards Ezra Ausar and Jacob Cofie are providing physicality and athleticism around the net. —Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 20 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1835, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for athleticism

• shamanism