fitness

noun fit·ness \ ˈfit-nəs \

|Updated on: 23 Jun 2018

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 of fitness from the Web

July and August registrations for fitness will be accepted until Friday, June 22.

— Courant Community, "Community News For The Enfield Edition," 19 June 2018
Meanwhile, Belgium have been handed a major boost ahead of their upcoming clash against England, after manager Roberto Martínez claimed that both Thomas Vermaelen and Vincent Kompany should return to full fitness for the game.

— SI.com, "Manchester United New Boy Fred Set to Miss Brazil's Opening World Cup Game After Training Injury," 17 June 2018
That’s why this training tool serves as a stellar form of functional fitness.

— jenny mccoy, SELF, "What Exactly Is a Kettlebell Specialist?," 12 June 2018
Combined with their ferocious dedication to fitness (see: abs, Cristiano), that has allowed them to sidestep serious injury and extend their peaks into their 30s.

— jonathan clegg, WSJ, "Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo: Still Soccer’s Supreme Leaders," 12 June 2018
The Cutest Photos of Khloé Kardashian’s Daughter Kardashian has developed a passion for fitness in recent years, losing weight and toning up during her split from now ex-husband Lamar Odom.

— dave quinn, PEOPLE.com, "Khloé Kardashian Shows Off Her Curves in Skinny Jeans Weeks After Giving Birth to Baby True," 7 June 2018
This helps the individual survive to sire more offspring, thus propagating the genes that code for fitness.

— matt simon, WIRED, "The Shape-Shifting Robot That Evolves by Falling Down," 18 May 2018
Bring yoga mat and enjoy the calmer approach to fitness.

— sara ervin walser, Laurel Leader, "Spring into outdoor events at Patuxent Wildlife Visitor Center [South Laurel/Montpelier]," 17 May 2018
While some cities passed national averages for fitness, the report shows that most Americans don't meet the Centers for Disease Control recommendations of 150 minutes of moderate activity each week and twice-weekly strength training.

— justin l. mack, Indianapolis Star, "‘Fittest in America’ list ranked 100 cities this time — Indianapolis is still not good," 15 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fitness.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of fitness

1580

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

fitness Synonyms

Medical Dictionary

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