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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of fitness

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

Example Sentences

His sound fitness level, despite his relative inactivity this season, was demonstrated when he lasted the full game against Salzburg - his first appearance for almost four months.

From BBC

Yelena Kibasova, a hockey coach and mom living in a suburb of the Twin Cities, usually posts humor content about parenting, fitness and hockey.

From Salon

There is still a hierarchy, with higher intensity activity, that raises the heart rate, still offering the biggest fitness and health gains, followed by moderate activity such as walking, says Blodgett.

From BBC

Brother, dad and uncle were all in his support box, along with his long-time agent and fitness coaches.

From BBC

While preparing for a project about 15 years ago, Morvan met his current partner, Tessa van der Steen, who is Dutch and works as a health and fitness coach and alternative medicine practitioner.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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