conditioning
noun
con·di·tion·ing
kən-ˈdi-sh(ə-)niŋ 
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
Examples of conditioning in a Sentence
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
Last year, for example, Seminole spent more than a million dollars replacing the heating and air conditioning units.
—
Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026
Step five encourages the use of bond repair treatments as needed, while step six emphasizes the importance of conditioning products, such as a gloss or mask.
—Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 5 Apr. 2026
People in communities such as GL Homes’ Valencia neighborhoods, for example, need plumbers and heating, ventilation and air conditioning technicians, Okean said.
—Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026
As his teammates warmed up for the second half, Lendeborg went through some drills with Matt Aldred, the team’s strength and conditioning coach.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2026
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Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026
Step five encourages the use of bond repair treatments as needed, while step six emphasizes the importance of conditioning products, such as a gloss or mask.
—Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 5 Apr. 2026
People in communities such as GL Homes’ Valencia neighborhoods, for example, need plumbers and heating, ventilation and air conditioning technicians, Okean said.
—Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026
As his teammates warmed up for the second half, Lendeborg went through some drills with Matt Aldred, the team’s strength and conditioning coach.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for conditioning
Cite this Entry
“Conditioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conditioning. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
conditioning
noun
con·di·tion·ing
kən-ˈdish-(ə-)niŋ
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
Current HealthHe also got serious about his physical conditioning with a regimen that includes Pilates, weights and cardio training.—Alan Shipnuck, Sports Illustrated
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
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
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
The New York Times MagazineLove words? Need even more definitions?
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