athleticism

noun

ath·​let·​i·​cism ath-ˈle-tə-ˌsi-zəm 

: athletic ability : the combination of qualities (such as speed, strength, and agility) that are characteristic of an athlete

These days they do standing backflips and other moves that require a high degree of athleticism—and endless practice.

—Cathy Booth Thomas

Examples of athleticism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

His quickness getting across the crease, his evident athleticism, more than made up for any lack of experience. —Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025

Smith has continued to capably perform as a solid NFL starter, effectively using his intelligence to compensate for whatever amount of athleticism that has diminished at age 36, but at some point soon the Vikings will need a replacement plan. —Dave Campbell, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2025

Thompson, who many believed was snubbed from the All-Rookie teams, has a 7-foot wingspan, elite athleticism, and the kind of defensive bite that’s turned heads around the league. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2025

The Rockets have athleticism, but the Warriors have championship pedigree. Warriors in 6. —Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1835, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for athleticism

• shamanism