aptitude
noun
ap·ti·tude
ˈap-tə-ˌtüd 
-ˌtyüd
1
a
: inclination, tendency
an aptitude for hard work
b
: a natural ability : talent
an aptitude for gymnastics
2
: capacity for learning
an aptitude for languages
3
: general suitability : aptness
aptitudinally
adverb
Examples of aptitude in a Sentence
The new test is supposed to measure the aptitudes of the students.
bored teenagers with an aptitude for getting into trouble
Recent Examples on the Web
His agrarian aptitude makes the man eager to expand.
—
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 15 Feb. 2026
At the same time, his expertise and aptitude have often elevated the Bulls slightly above expectation for their relatively modest rosters — and guided the development of players like Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu along the way.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
That requires a certain mental aptitude.
—Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
So yes, some mechanical aptitude is required.
—New Atlas, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for aptitude
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.
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 15 Feb. 2026
At the same time, his expertise and aptitude have often elevated the Bulls slightly above expectation for their relatively modest rosters — and guided the development of players like Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu along the way.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
That requires a certain mental aptitude.
—Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
So yes, some mechanical aptitude is required.
—New Atlas, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for aptitude
Cite this Entry
“Aptitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aptitude. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
aptitude
noun
ap·ti·tude
ˈap-tə-ˌt(y)üd
1
: ability to learn : aptness
2
: a natural ability
an aptitude for mathematics
Medical Definition
aptitude
noun
ap·ti·tude
ˈap-tə-ˌt(y)üd
: a natural or acquired capacity or ability
especially
: a tendency, capacity, or inclination to learn or understand
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
