athleticism

American  

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

noun

athleticisms plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• athleticisms
  plural

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

For much of its history, the team was known for its athleticism, its energy, and calling the sport by the wrong name.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 18, 2026

"Told me I need to get on the glass, offensive glass especially, and just use my ability, size, strength, athleticism, to make an impact on the offensive glass," Anunoby said.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

From the base of Middlesbrough's midfield, Hayden Hackney demonstrated a range of passing, athleticism, and tendency to make a difference in key moments that stood out in the division.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

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

He made his way up to the promenade deck, where he found a riot of athleticism unfolding.

From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown