fitness
- 01 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.
Simple“He goes to the gym every morning to improve his overall fitness.”
In context“The coach designed a rigorous programme to ensure the players reached peak fitness before the start of the competitive season.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
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.
Simple“The committee questioned his fitness for the role of manager.”
In context“The legal challenge focused on the fitness of the building for residential use, citing numerous safety violations.”
SynonymsAntonymsunsuitabilityincompetence - 03 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“In nature, the fitness of an animal depends on its ability to find food and mates.”
In context“Evolutionary biologists measure fitness by an organism's ability to survive to reproductive age and successfully produce viable offspring.”
Synonymsreproductive success - 04 C2 Proficiency
the quality of being very attractive or good-looking.
the state of being physically attractive or sexually appealing.
Simple“He was well-known in the village for his fitness and charm.”
In context“The local tabloids often commented on the fitness of the young actors attending the premiere.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is specific to British slang and is rarely used in formal or international contexts; learners should use 'attractiveness' instead.
SynonymsAntonyms
From fit + -ness. First attested in the 16th century, with the physical sense from 1935.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.