vitality

noun

vi·​tal·​i·​ty vī-ˈta-lə-tē How to pronounce vitality (audio)
plural vitalities
1
a
: lively and animated character
b
: power of enduring
2
a
: the peculiarity distinguishing the living from the nonliving
b
: capacity to live and develop
also : physical or mental vigor especially when highly developed

Examples of vitality in a Sentence

Her prose is full of vitality. These scandals could threaten the vitality of the sport. the economic vitality of our cities
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But by the 1960s, integration and other social shifts weakened its vitality. Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 6 Sep. 2025 The archival footage of Candy — on set and at home with his kids — gives the film vitality, and the intimate, relaxed settings where interviewees recount memories of the man who left their lives too soon evoke home and hold the film together visually. Beandrea July, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2025 That may get them guest slots to rant on MSNBC, but that won’t help Chicago neighborhoods that are being held hostage by homegrown criminals who are shooting, carjacking and robbing them of their security and vitality. Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025 Ecosystem science demonstrates that regeneration is essential for long-term vitality. Scott Hutcheson, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vitality

Word History

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of vitality was in 1592

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vitality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vitality. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

vitality

noun
vi·​tal·​i·​ty vī-ˈtal-ət-ē How to pronounce vitality (audio)
plural vitalities
1
a
: the property by which the living can be separated from the nonliving : life
b
: capacity to live and develop
2
: energy of mind or body
3
a
: the ability to last
b
: lively and animated spirit

Medical Definition

vitality

noun
vi·​tal·​i·​ty vī-ˈtal-ət-ē How to pronounce vitality (audio)
plural vitalities
1
: the peculiarity distinguishing the living from the nonliving
2
: capacity to live and develop
also : physical or mental vigor especially when highly developed

More from Merriam-Webster on vitality

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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