English Reference
noun

vitality

n.
US /vaɪˈtæɫəti/ UK /vaɪtˈælɪti/ vi·tal·i·ty UK spelling vitalities

  1. 01 C1 Advanced Academic

    the power of something to continue being successful, strong, or active.

    the capacity of an abstract entity, such as an economy or a culture, to endure and remain functional.

    Simple

    New small businesses are essential for the economic vitality of the city.

    In context

    The report questioned the long-term vitality of the local manufacturing sector in the face of increasing global competition.

    Usage

    Frequently appears in academic or professional contexts regarding economics, urban planning, or biology.

    Teacher's tip

    Learners should use this when discussing the 'health' of a system rather than just a person.

The mysterious and deceitful fi’du embodies the forest’s fertility, its raw vitality – the promise of that which has not been civilised or inhabited.

Aeon· 20 Aug 2026

From vital + -ity, from Middle French vitalité, from Latin vitalitas (“vital force, life”), from vitalis (“vital”); see vital.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin vitalitas
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated