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

That’s why fitness instructor and tv personality Amanda Kloots launched Proper, a collection of convenient (just add water) and nutrient-dense powders targeting different needs. —Katie Chang, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025

There were 188 participants in fitness programs and 185 in nutrition programs last year. —Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025

This can include lifting weights, body weight exercises like push-ups, and working with fitness machines. —Alysse Dalessandro, Health, 29 Mar. 2025

See list of the closures in 15 states Internet reacts with memes and jokes after journalist added to national security group chat A fitness influencer's elaborate 'morning routine' goes viral. —Mike Snider, USA Today, 29 Mar. 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