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

Thiero, a 22-year-old who tries to make up for his lack of experience with pure motor and athleticism, had a team-high eight rebounds with four points in 13 minutes and 12 seconds.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 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

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

JSerra High has an athlete, Godschoice Eboigbodin, whose size and athleticism are earning rave reviews in two sports.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 22, 2026

Here’s something I’ve never told anyone: My crush isn’t just because of Neil’s looks or his hypnotizing athleticism or the fact that he’s a future physicist genius.

From "From Twinkle, with Love" by Sandhya Menon