# fittest

/ˈfɪtəst/ (US) · /fˈɪtəst/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

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

## Definition

the most physically strong and healthy. You use this to describe the person who wins a competition because they are the best at sports.

For teachers: the superlative form of 'fit', meaning the most physically strong, healthy, or capable of surviving. Often used in the phrase 'survival of the fittest' to describe natural selection.

## Examples

- The fastest and fittest athlete won the race.
- After the long hike, the fittest members of the group were the only ones who reached the summit.
- In the harsh winter, only the fittest individuals in the population were able to find enough food to survive until spring.

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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.