out of shape
idiom
1
: not in the usual shape
The bike's rim was all out of shape.
: so as not to be in the usual shape
The wire cage was all twisted out of shape.
2
: not in a physically strong and healthy condition
out of shape from lack of exercise
Examples of out of shape in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The siblings kidded Chris about being out of shape.
—
Jonathan Abrams, New York Times, 20 June 2023
Bernardo’s run down the right of the box pulled Inter defense out of shape.
—James Robson, BostonGlobe.com, 10 June 2023
Killingsworth started all 31 games in his one IU season and led the Hoosiers in scoring and rebounding, but he was often exposed defensively and looked out of shape at times.
—Matthew Glenesk, The Indianapolis Star, 5 June 2023
In those cases, slow and careful exercise through a rehabilitation or physical therapy program might help repair energy systems that have fallen out of shape.
—Rachel Cohrs and Betsy Ladyzhets, STAT, 20 Apr. 2023
See All Example Sentences for out of shape
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jonathan Abrams, New York Times, 20 June 2023
Bernardo’s run down the right of the box pulled Inter defense out of shape.
—James Robson, BostonGlobe.com, 10 June 2023
Killingsworth started all 31 games in his one IU season and led the Hoosiers in scoring and rebounding, but he was often exposed defensively and looked out of shape at times.
—Matthew Glenesk, The Indianapolis Star, 5 June 2023
In those cases, slow and careful exercise through a rehabilitation or physical therapy program might help repair energy systems that have fallen out of shape.
—Rachel Cohrs and Betsy Ladyzhets, STAT, 20 Apr. 2023
See All Example Sentences for out of shape
Cite this Entry
“Out of shape.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/out%20of%20shape. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share