# fitness

/ˈfɪtnəs/ (US) · /fˈɪtnəs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fitness
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. physical health

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- He goes to the gym every morning to improve his overall fitness.
- The coach designed a rigorous programme to ensure the players reached peak fitness before the start of the competitive season.

### 2. suitability

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

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

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

- The committee questioned his fitness for the role of manager.
- The legal challenge focused on the fitness of the building for residential use, citing numerous safety violations.

### 3. biological success

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Technical

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

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

- In nature, the fitness of an animal depends on its ability to find food and mates.
- Evolutionary biologists measure fitness by an organism's ability to survive to reproductive age and successfully produce viable offspring.

### 4. physical attractiveness

noun · CEFR C2 · British English · Slang · Informal

the quality of being very attractive or good-looking.

For teachers: the state of being physically attractive or sexually appealing.

- He was well-known in the village for his fitness and charm.
- The local tabloids often commented on the fitness of the young actors attending the premiere.

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

## Examples

- She goes to the gym every day to improve her fitness.
- The coach designed a specific training program to help the players reach peak fitness before the tournament began.
- While cardiovascular fitness is essential for endurance athletes, a balanced routine should also incorporate strength training and flexibility to prevent injury and ensure long-term health.

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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.