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

Store your gardening tools, cushions, fitness equipment, toys and other items in the interior. —Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025

Regardless, that doesn’t stop many doctors, fitness professionals, and physical therapists from recommending Epsom salts in the treatment of muscle pain and fatigue. —Alice Nardiotti, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025

Peloton, the brand that once defined the at-home fitness category has pedaled through some difficulty over the past few years. —Amy Shoenthal, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

According to design plans, the ground floor would include car and bicycle parking, a fitness center, leasing office, rentable storage space, a lobby and a dog washing station. —Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 9 Apr. 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