fitness

American  

[fit-nis] / ˈfɪt nɪs /

noun

1. health.

2. capability of the body of distributing inhaled oxygen to muscle tissue during increased physical effort.

3. Also called Darwinian fitness.  Biology.

   1. the genetic contribution of an individual to the next generation's gene pool relative to the average for the population, usually measured by the number of offspring or close kin that survive to reproductive age.

   2. the ability of a population to maintain or increase its numbers in succeeding generations.

---

fitness British  

/ ˈfɪtnɪs /

noun

1. the state of being fit

2. biology

   1. the degree of adaptation of an organism to its environment, determined by its genetic constitution

   2. the ability of an organism to produce viable offspring capable of surviving to the next generation

---

Etymology

Origin of fitness

First recorded in 1570–80; fit ¹ + -ness

Example Sentences

Khawaja went through some fitness exercises and batted in the nets on Monday.

From BBC

He's showing with fitness - and with United looking like they are probably going in the right direction - a late call-up for England may come.

From BBC

"His quality was never in doubt with his team-mates. Sometimes he struggled a bit for goals and assists and also with injuries, but when he gets his fitness, he is important."

From BBC

Bonds was an all-action, versatile player who mixed remarkable fitness, a fiercely competitive nature and skill into a potent combination that was at the heart of everything he and West Ham did.

From BBC

Volkswagen has likened China to a “fitness center” for the company.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• adequacy
• compatibility
• competence
• consistency
• eligibility
• preparedness
• qualification
• readiness
• suitability