vitality
Americannoun
plural
vitalities-
exuberant physical strength or mental vigor.
a person of great vitality.
-
capacity for survival or for the continuation of a meaningful or purposeful existence.
the vitality of an institution.
-
power to live or grow.
the vitality of a language.
-
vital force or principle.
noun
-
physical or mental vigour, energy, etc
-
the power or ability to continue in existence, live, or grow
the vitality of a movement
-
a less common name for vital force
Other Word Forms
- nonvitality noun
- supervitality noun
Etymology
Origin of vitality
First recorded in 1585–95; from Latin vītālitās, from vītāli(s) vital + -tās -ty 2
Explanation
Are you full of life? Vigorous and energetic? Lucky you. You have vitality, the state of being strong and in great health. Vitality also has the general meaning of "life force," as in the mysterious power that separates the living from the dead. The phrase "vital organs" comes from vitality, meaning a person's inner organs most essential to life. Abstract things can also have vitality, as in "the vitality of the state" or the vitality of Broadway Theater."
Vocabulary lists containing vitality
"The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Grade 9, List 5
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
100 SAT Words Beginning with "V"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Her range and vitality made every song a celebration and defined the sound of Bollywood for generations.
From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026
Underlining those priorities, Zheng said the "massive scale" and "vitality" of China's economy give leaders "the boldness and confidence to cope with various risks and market fluctuations".
From Barron's • Mar. 6, 2026
Elle, played by Ms. Dizzia with quiet, captivating vitality, complicates Dick’s narrative, revealing a more nuanced perspective: “I adored him. But then suddenly my love for him would die.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026
However, those extra years are often affected by poor health rather than vitality.
From Science Daily • Feb. 3, 2026
Kote grinned wickedly, a measure of vitality coming back into his face.
From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
