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[fit-nis] /ˈfɪt nɪs/
Also called Darwinian fitness. Biology.
  1. the genetic contribution of an individual to the next generation's gene pool relative to the average for the population, usually measured by the number of offspring or close kin that survive to reproductive age.
  2. the ability of a population to maintain or increase its numbers in succeeding generations.
Origin of fitness
1570-80; fit1 + -ness Unabridged
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Examples from the Web for fitness
Contemporary Examples
Historical Examples
  • If it had been true, however, it would have offended your sense of the fitness of things.

  • What his qualifications, his fitness and his position in the science world of Philadelphia?

    James Cutbush Edgar F. Smith

  • Quality, temperament, fitness, poise had nothing to do with his selection.

    In Her Own Right John Reed Scott
  • Dignity, fitness, one's rightful place in life have their claims.

    Tante Anne Douglas Sedgwick
British Dictionary definitions for fitness


the state of being fit
  1. the degree of adaptation of an organism to its environment, determined by its genetic constitution
  2. the ability of an organism to produce viable offspring capable of surviving to the next generation
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for fitness

1570s, from fit (adj.) + -ness.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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fitness in Medicine

fitness fit·ness (fĭt'nĭs)


  2. A state of general mental and physical well-being.

  3. The state of being suitably adapted to an environment.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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