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

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is an ideal choice for Samsung users seeking a robust fitness tracker with advanced AI health insights. —Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024

Fur colour in the Arctic fox: genetic architecture and consequences for fitness Trend in Genetics. —Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 6 Nov. 2024

Join a Tuesday night restorative yoga class at The Lab or register for a low-cost Park District fitness class. —Monica Eng, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024

Athletes or fitness enthusiasts may prefer lightweight, sweat-resistant models that stay secure during physical activity. —Jordana Comiter, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024

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