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REFERENCE

fitness

n.
US //ˈfɪtnəs// UK //fˈɪtnəs// fit·ness
  1. 1 physical health (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the state of being physically healthy and strong, especially through regular exercise.

    the condition of being physically sound and healthy, typically resulting from exercise and proper nutrition.

    Example

    He goes to the gym every morning to improve his overall fitness.

    Example

    The coach designed a rigorous programme to ensure the players reached peak fitness before the start of the competitive season.
  2. 2 suitability (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    how suitable or appropriate someone or something is for a particular job or purpose.

    the quality of being suitable, appropriate, or fit for a specific purpose or role.

    Example

    The committee questioned his fitness for the role of manager.

    Example

    The legal challenge focused on the fitness of the building for residential use, citing numerous safety violations.
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  1. 3 biological success (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Technical Science

    how well a living thing can survive and have babies in its environment.

    the quantitative representation of individual reproductive success, relating to the average contribution to the gene pool of the next generation.

    Example

    In nature, the fitness of an animal depends on its ability to find food and mates.

    Example

    Evolutionary biologists measure fitness by an organism's ability to survive to reproductive age and successfully produce viable offspring.
    • reproductive success
  2. 4 physical attractiveness (n.)
    C2 Proficiency British English Slang Informal

    the quality of being very attractive or good-looking.

    the state of being physically attractive or sexually appealing.

    Example

    He was well-known in the village for his fitness and charm.

    Example

    The local tabloids often commented on the fitness of the young actors attending the premiere.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is specific to British slang and is rarely used in formal or international contexts; learners should use 'attractiveness' instead.
Origin

From fit + -ness. First attested in the 16th century, with the physical sense from 1935.

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