fitness
/ˈfɪtnəs
/noun [mass noun]
1The condition of being physically fit and healthy: disease and lack of fitness are closely related [as modifier]: a fitness test...
- The aim of exercise is to achieve a beneficial level of fitness and health, physically and mentally.
- The site features a variety of fitness and health tests.
- Physical fitness and health is the main preoccupation of young women today.
Synonyms
health, strength, robustness, sturdiness, hardiness, vigour, lustiness, stalwartness;
athleticism, toughness, ruggedness, physical fitness, muscularity, tone;
good health, good condition, good shape, well-being;
state of health, condition, shape, trim, fettle
informal huskiness
British informal nick
1.1 Biology An organism’s ability to survive and reproduce in a particular environment: if sharp teeth increase fitness, then genes causing teeth to be sharp will increase in frequency...
- The differential fitnesses are weighted averages of phenotype fitnesses.
- We predict the relative fitnesses of hybrid genotypes by calculating the expected numbers of each type of incompatibility.
- We assume that the relative fitnesses of these genotypes remain constant.
2 (fitness for/to do) The quality of being suitable to fulfil a particular role or task: the medical board assessed his fitness for active service...
- Spotting a leather armchair, he walks around it a few times, as if checking its fitness for the task ahead.
- A dispute arose as to the quality and fitness for purpose of the machines.
- To keep the pressure off, however, she won't go public with more detail until she is certain of her fitness for each.
Synonyms
suitability, capability, competence, competency, proficiency, ability, aptitude;
readiness, preparedness, qualification, eligibility, worthiness, appropriateness, appropriacy;
adequacy
