B2adjective2K

Athletic

UK /["/æθˈletɪk/"]/US /["/æθˈletɪk/"]/

Definition

physically strong, fit and active

In simple words: Relating to sports or physical activity.

Examples

  • an **athletic figure/build**
  • a tall, slim athletic girl
  • an **athletic club/coach**

Usage notes

Used to describe someone who is good at sports. Common in casual and formal contexts, but avoid it in very informal settings where you might use slang terms instead.

Grammar pattern

athletic + ability/field

Memory hint

Think of 'athlete' + 'tic'—like an athlete in action.

Collocations

  • athletic ability
  • athletic performance
  • athletic clothes
  • athletic competition
  • athletic training

Synonyms

  • fit
  • active
  • sporty
  • energetic
  • lively

Antonyms

  • sedentary
  • inactive

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'athletic' with 'athlete' (the person, not the adjective).
  • Using 'athletic' as a noun instead of an adjective.
  • Forgetting to use 'athletic' to describe non-sport physical activities.