conditioning

noun

con·​di·​tion·​ing kən-ˈdi-sh(ə-)niŋ 

1

: the process of training to become physically fit by a regimen of exercise, diet, and rest

also : the resulting state of physical fitness

2

: a simple form of learning involving the formation, strengthening, or weakening of an association between a stimulus and a response

Synonyms

• activity
• exercise
• exertion

Examples of conditioning in a Sentence

the team's excellent physical conditioning

With the proper conditioning, the horse will learn to trust and obey its handler.

Recent Examples on the Web

But it had already been tamed and polished for suburbanites, with cruise control and air conditioning, by 1994, when O.J. Simpson cowered in the back of one, a handgun to his temple, as patrol cars followed it for about two hours in the California twilight. —Ben Finley, Quartz, 13 Apr. 2024

The city later provided 33 trailers, which lack air conditioning and heat but do provide a locking door and roof. —Theresa Clift, Sacramento Bee, 11 Apr. 2024

The range indicator tracked closely with distance traveled, air conditioning and accelerating to catch gaps in traffic notwithstanding The front seats are accommodating, the controls largely intuitive. —Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 10 Apr. 2024

The domes are suitable for any season, with air conditioning and a freestanding electric fireplace. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2024

This year’s festival will also include a Jazz Lounge ticket, which gives fans exclusive access to premium parking, a tented lounge with complimentary wifi and TV monitors, along with special restroom facilities with air conditioning. —Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2024

Inmates start with conditioning and running shorter distances, before potentially taking part in a full marathon, negotiating 105 laps of a gritty, uneven prison track by the end of the year. —Amy Woodyatt, CNN, 8 Apr. 2024

Schools were shuttered—less due to the rhythms of our agrarian past than to moneyed classes fleeing the cities before the advent of air conditioning—and swimming pools were open. —Lydia Millet, TIME, 2 Apr. 2024

With the Diablo, Lamborghini tried to do better for the driver, offering more comfortable seats, better front and rear visibility, air conditioning, and even bespoke luggage for the very small trunk, though features varied by model. —Sean Evans, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing conditioning

• classical conditioning
• operant conditioning

Medical Definition

conditioning

noun

con·​di·​tion·​ing kən-ˈdish-(ə-)niŋ 

1

: the process of training to become physically fit by a regimen of exercise, diet, and rest

Good shoes and proper conditioning are the best bets for avoiding shin splints.

—Current Health

He also got serious about his physical conditioning with a regimen that includes Pilates, weights and cardio training.

—Alan Shipnuck, Sports Illustrated

also : the resulting state of physical fitness

Triathletes maintained their aerobic conditioning while developing new skills and strengthening neglected muscles.

—Marlene Adrian, Shape

2

: a simple form of learning involving the formation, strengthening, or weakening of an association between a stimulus and a response

According to the theory, learning or conditioning is the process by which behavior is systematically and lastingly changed.

—Harvard Mental Health Letter

… aversive conditioning to tie undesirable actions to unpleasant stimuli and thereby break habits.

—The New York Times Magazine

see classical conditioning, operant conditioning