# athletics

> English word · Noun · IPA /æθˈlɛtɪks/ · frequency rank #9,284

## Definitions
1. A group of sporting activities including track and field, road running, cross country and racewalking.
2. Physical activities such as sports and games requiring stamina, fitness and skill.

## Etymology
From athletic: see -ics. Probably formed on the model of gymnastics.

## Easily confused with
- **athletic** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/athletic-vs-athletics)
- **athleticism** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/athleticism-vs-athletics)

## Common misspellings (14)
`ahtletics`, `atheltics`, `athhletics`, `athleitcs`, `athletcis`, `athleticcs`, `athleticss`, `athletisc`, `athlettics`, `athlletics`, `athlteics`, `atlhetics`, `atthletics`, `tahletics`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/athletics