out-of-shape
UK[ˌaʊt.əvˈʃeɪp]US[ˌaʊt.əvˈʃeɪp]
adj
Not physically fit; in poor physical condition.
adj
Not in the usual or proper form or condition.
Morpheme Breakdown
out
of
shape
out
of
shape
Etymology
The compound adjective "out-of-shape" is a relatively modern English formation, built from three native Old English elements. The core noun "shape" derives from the Old English 'gesceap', meaning 'creation' or 'form', which itself evolved from the Proto-Germanic 'skapiz', related to the act of creating or ordaining. The prepositional phrase "out of" has been used since Middle English to indicate a state of being removed from or lacking a particular condition. By combining these elements, the phrase literally means "being outside of (good) form or condition," a logical extension from physical form to a state of physical unfitness or improper configuration. Its common use to describe poor physical fitness became prominent in the 20th century alongside growing cultural focus on exercise and health.
Analysis
Structure: out + of + shape
- out: Old English origin, functioning as an adverb/particle indicating a state of being external, away, or not in a specified condition.
- of: Old English origin, functioning as a preposition indicating relationship, origin, or separation.
- shape: Old English origin, functioning as a noun meaning form, figure, or condition.
Examples
After months without exercise, he felt completely out-of-shape.
The old bicycle was rusty and out-of-shape, but still rideable.
She refused to go running with her friends, claiming she was too out-of-shape.