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

Entrepreneurs can tap into this growing market by offering services such as virtual fitness coaching, nutritional consulting, and stress management programs. —Melissa Houston, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025

Amenities at the Pendry Hotel include a new Wolfgang Puck restaurant, the Spa Pendry, a comprehensive fitness center, and a live music venue. —Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 21 Feb. 2025

Erling Haaland faces a late fitness test ahead of Sunday’s Premier League game against Liverpool. —Luke Bosher, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025

Another downside is that the fitness regimen can be overwhelming at first. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing fitness

• physical fitness

Rhymes for fitness

• witness
• eyewitness
• unfitness

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