fighting

[fahy-ting]

adjective

1. fit to fight.

   a boxer who's no longer in fighting shape.

2. tending or meant to stir up a fight or hostility.

   fighting words.

Other Word Forms

• unfighting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fighting¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English; fight + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Caring for each other makes this bleak world worth fighting for.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

As in most wars, the only thing worse than the fighting is surrender—and at this stage, both sides seem to think victory is within reach.

Read more on Barron's

You have one thing in your favor: your fighting spirit and sense of humor.

Read more on MarketWatch

You’ve set up your finances for longevity and, by reducing financial stress from your life, you’ve given yourself a fighting chance.

Read more on MarketWatch

What are people fighting about when they fight about money?

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

• bloodshed 
• combat 
• conflict 
• dispute 
• exchange 
• hostility 
• melee 
• riot 
• scuffle 
• strife 
• struggle 
• war 
• warfare