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

So does this mean Arsenal are in the midst of an injury crisis or are they being clever by showing caution with the fitness of their players?

From BBC

England's early exit from the Women's T20 World Cup just under 18 months ago prompted former spinner Alex Hartley to say some players were "letting the team down" in terms of fitness.

From BBC

There needs to be an asterisk with both Reece James and John Stones regarding their fitness.

From BBC

My entry into the world of wearable fitness, as with much new technology, was grudging, fitful and ultimately all consuming.

From The Wall Street Journal

A Scottish grandmother has broken a fitness record at age 72 - having had three hip replacements.

From BBC

Related Words

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