conditioning

1 of 2

noun

con·​di·​tion·​ing kən-ˈdi-sh(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce conditioning (audio)
Synonyms of conditioningnext
1
: the process of training to become physically fit by a regimen of exercise, diet, and rest
also : the resulting state of physical fitness
2
: a simple form of learning involving the formation, strengthening, or weakening of an association between a stimulus and a response

conditioning

2 of 2

present participle of condition entry 2

Synonyms of conditioning

Relevance

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of conditioning in a Sentence

Noun the team's excellent physical conditioning With the proper conditioning, the horse will learn to trust and obey its handler.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Some, including the state correctional institutions in Cambridge Springs, Dallas, Laurel Highlands, Muncy, Waymart and Huntingdon, the oldest continuously running correctional facility in Pennsylvania, have partial or very limited air conditioning. — Jaquelyn Jahn, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026 The thieves also damaged the main office building with copper wiring and components removed from rooftop systems and air conditioning units, police said. — Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 The entire therapy can take up to a year to complete, with the conditioning process often causing permanent infertility or sterility. — Steven Ross Johnson, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026 Parrish said plans should have been in place for the air conditioning maintenance and replacement. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for conditioning

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1861, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of conditioning was in 1861

Phrases Containing conditioning

Rhymes for conditioning

See All Rhymes for conditioning

Browse Nearby Words

conditioner
conditioning
condition powder
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Conditioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conditioning. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Medical Definition

conditioning

noun
con·​di·​tion·​ing kən-ˈdish-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce conditioning (audio)
1
: the process of training to become physically fit by a regimen of exercise, diet, and rest
Good shoes and proper conditioning are the best bets for avoiding shin splints.—Current Health
He also got serious about his physical conditioning with a regimen that includes Pilates, weights and cardio training.—Alan Shipnuck, Sports Illustrated
also : the resulting state of physical fitness
Triathletes maintained their aerobic conditioning while developing new skills and strengthening neglected muscles. —Marlene Adrian, Shape
2
: a simple form of learning involving the formation, strengthening, or weakening of an association between a stimulus and a response
According to the theory, learning or conditioning is the process by which behavior is systematically and lastingly changed.—Harvard Mental Health Letter
… aversive conditioning to tie undesirable actions to unpleasant stimuli and thereby break habits.—The New York Times Magazine
see classical conditioning, operant conditioning

More from Merriam-Webster on conditioning

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about conditioning

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of fervid

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
artwork of illustrated limes with the text limes and smile with an arrow connecting the two words
Quiz: Spot the Anagram! Scramble these words to find new words with the e...
See All