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

But even Black athletes whose athleticism gifted them an extremely exclusive express lane in life can tell you stories about growing up a minority in America, or tales their parents or grandparents have told. —Miami Herald, 14 May 2026

The characters’ athleticism speaks volumes too, from the skateboard-level action on sidewalks to the moments when AJ awakens to the physical thrills and transcendent mysteries of catching a wave. —Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026

That decision looks bad on paper now, especially when athleticism and ball-handling have been pinpointed as 2026 offseason priorities. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 13 May 2026

There is a desire for true two-way defensive players, wings with athleticism and energy on the defensive end and a sweet shooting stroke on the offensive side of the ball. —Dan Woike, New York Times, 12 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1835, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for athleticism

• shamanism