athleticism

American  

[ath-let-uh-siz-uhm] / æθˈlɛt əˌsɪz əm /

noun

1. a high degree of natural talent, strength, or enthusiasm in physical sports or exercises.

   Yoga should be accessible to all people regardless of body type, level of athleticism, or age.

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Etymology

Origin of athleticism

athletic ( def. ) + -ism ( def. )

Explanation

Athleticism is the quality of having the kind of strength and energy that makes a great athlete. It takes athleticism to run marathons, play pro football, or sprint down a cobblestone street in high heels without falling. Athleticism might get you a basketball scholarship to college or help you win most of the tennis matches you play. When you're particularly good at a sport, people will praise your athleticism. Although it’s usually used with sports, athleticism can describe any quality of strength and energy. It takes musical athleticism to play Ravel’s Gaspard de la nuit on piano. The word is rooted in the Greek athlētēs, "prizefighter or contestant in the games."

Example Sentences

He’s become a player who can be counted on, and he’s especially valuable to a team that happens to badly need youth and athleticism, as the Lakers do.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2026

But the manager noted how Newcastle's athleticism - a hallmark of this side at their best - has returned of late, and Gordon's goal against Chelsea was a case in point.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

Like Cunningham-South and Chessum, their second-row pairing of Charles Ollivon and Mickael Guillard have the athleticism and explosiveness to play in the back row on occasion.

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

A former No. 1 overall pick, Murray blended passing skill with the athleticism teams dream about in modern quarterbacks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

The white boys admired him for his athleticism, how far past the fence he could send a kickball.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee