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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of fitness

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

Example Sentences

The squad's fitness and professionalism were being called into question.

From BBC

Meanwhile, real-estate developers are focusing much of their new construction on the high end of the market, featuring projects with amenities including spas, high-tech fitness centers and premium cuisine.

From The Wall Street Journal

Senior judges have to show the chief judge of their circuit that they are handling a certain amount of work annually, and concerns about their fitness could be raised during that process.

From The Wall Street Journal

At his best, he is undoubtedly one of England's most skillful seamers but his fitness and reliability remains a concern.

From BBC

The case had been delayed several times over concerns around Esan's mental health and fitness to plead.

From BBC

Related Words

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