fitness

noun

fit·​ness ˈfit-nəs 

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

Synonyms

• health
• healthiness
• heartiness
• robustness
• sap
• soundness
• verdure
• wellness
• wholeness
• wholesomeness

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 on the Web

Jane Fonda's fitness routine has remained the same over the years — just at a different pace over time. —Nicholas Rice, People.com, 5 Jan. 2025

The first day onboard, a third party ‘fitness trainer’ tried to sell us insoles for our shoes. —Jennifer Leigh Parker, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025

The ultimate guide to earning passive income online After being granted an early release from prison in 2013, Marte launched a fitness business called Conbody, based on his workout regimen from behind bars. —Tom Huddleston Jr.,eric Clark, CNBC, 4 Jan. 2025

The free event includes fitness demonstrations, class descriptions and instructor introductions along with free food and beverages and opportunity drawings for Oasis gift cards. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing fitness

• physical fitness

Medical Definition

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