Athletic

adj.energetic, capableeveryday

What it means

Physically fit, coordinated, and skilled in sport or vigorous movement.

Reach for it when praising demonstrated physical ability rather than appearance alone

The athletic guide crossed the rocky ground with controlled ease.

playful
sporty
enthusiasm for sport or a casual athletic style is intended
not when Sporty can describe clothing or a car and sounds too casual for performance analysis.
everyday
active
regular movement matters more than sporting achievement
not when An active person may have no particular athletic skill.
everyday
fit
general physical condition is the central point
not when Fitness does not establish sporting skill, coordination, or speed.
warm
agile
quick controlled changes of position deserve attention
not when Agility is one component and does not imply endurance or strength.
warm
powerful
force and strength drive the performance
not when Power can come without coordination, mobility, or cardiovascular fitness.
professional
coordinated
body movements work accurately together
not when Coordination alone does not establish fitness or competitive ability.
professional
muscular
visible or functional muscle development is relevant
not when Muscular describes build and can stereotype what an athlete should look like.

athletic ability
Her athletic ability was clearest in the difficult recovery step.
athletic build
The costume was adjusted for his athletic build without restricting movement.
athletic performance
Sleep quality affected every athlete's athletic performance.
highly athletic
The highly athletic goalkeeper reached the top corner with one step.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.