# athleticism

/æθˈɫɛtɪˌsɪzm/ (US) · /æθlˈɛtɪsˌɪzəm/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/athleticism
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

the physical ability and skill to perform sports or exercise. It describes someone who is very fit and has a natural talent for physical activities.

For teachers: the physical ability and skill required to perform sports or athletic activities. Often used to describe a person's natural talent or the physical fitness of a team.

## Examples

- The team showed great athleticism during the final match.
- Her natural athleticism allowed her to excel in track and field without much formal training.
- While technical skill is essential, raw athleticism often determines the outcome of high-stakes competitions where physical endurance and speed are paramount.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.