fitness
nounattested in dialogue
- //ˈfɪt.nəs//
The condition of being fit, suitable or appropriate.
noun
- 1
The condition of being fit, suitable or appropriate.
Having introduced my two characters separately, let me present them together. Why not? He, young, wealthy, honorable; she also young, also intelligent — why not bring them together? There is an eternal fitness in all things, and nothing more so than in the case of man and woman.
That's chiefly why they're coming; I want you to meet them here and then tell me frankly what you think of their fitness for whatever we decide on doing.
- 2
The cultivation of an attractive and/or healthy physique.
Carroll has been edging slowly towards full fitness after his expensive arrival from Newcastle United and his partnership with £23m Luis Suarez showed rich promise as Liverpool controlled affairs from start to finish.
- 3
An organism's or species' degree of success in finding a mate and producing offspring.
- 4
slangThe condition of being attractive, fanciable or beautiful.
Etymology
From fit + -ness. First attested in the 16th century, with the physical sense from 1935.
Forms
- plural
- fitnesses
fitness · The condition of being fit, suitable or appropriate.
fitted · Tailored to the shape of a person's body.fitting · That fits. Chiefly preceded by a descriptive adverb or noun:…Fitting · A surname.