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

However, the 6-2 guard had not faced a defender like the 6-6 Castle, whose mix of length, athleticism and energy has turned him into one of the NBA’s fastest-rising two-way stars. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 4 June 2026

One reason Peillon is so untouched is that reaching it by train involves a bit of athleticism—about a 40-minute semi-uphill walk from either Peillon–Sainte-Thècle station (paved road) or Peille station (hiking trail). —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2026

The Utah Jazz have the talent, the depth, the athleticism and the overall ability to be a factor in the Western Conference next season. —Tony Jones, New York Times, 2 June 2026

Tennis aside, a glimpse at Olympia's Instagram account shows that she's inherited her mom's athleticism, having spent time on the golf course, dancing ballet, running track, and playing soccer. —Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 2 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1835, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for athleticism

• shamanism