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

Think a 24-hour concierge, a 2,600-square-foot fitness center, and a residents’ lounge. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 17 May 2025

The accommodation includes heated outdoor pools and hot tubs, as well as an onsite fitness center and airport shuttle, with quick access to Springdale’s excellent dining scene—more on that below. —Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2025

Approximately 121 local businesses are participating in the Shop 916 program, including restaurants, dessert shops, clothing boutiques and fitness centers, according to the program’s website. —Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 17 May 2025

Muscle growth is an important element of an overall fitness and exercise routine. —Alyssa Hui-Anderson, Verywell Health, 16 May 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