noun
Common
conditioning
kuhn-DIH-shuh-nihng
Conditioning (noun) means training that shapes behaviour through repetition and reward or punishment. Example: “Classical conditioning was famously demonstrated with Pavlov's dogs.”
noun
1
Training that shapes behaviour through repetition and reward or punishment.
"Classical conditioning was famously demonstrated with Pavlov's dogs."
2
Physical training intended to build fitness, strength, or endurance.
"Her conditioning improved after a month of running and skipping every morning."
"Good conditioning helps footballers stay strong through the last minutes of a match."
"The team does conditioning drills every morning before practice."
How to use conditioning
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTraining that shapes behaviour or the body — either psychological (habits, reflexes) or physical (fitness).
Common pairings
physical conditioning
classical conditioning
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Word forms
- Plural
- conditionings
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Classical _____ was famously demonstrated with Pavlov's dogs.
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Rhymes for conditioning
See all rhymes for conditioning →Frequently asked questions
What does “conditioning” mean?
The word “conditioning” means training that shapes behaviour through repetition and reward or punishment. In plain terms, training that shapes behaviour or the body — either psychological (habits, reflexes) or physical (fitness).
How do you pronounce “conditioning”?
“Conditioning” is pronounced kuhn-DIH-shuh-nihng (/kənˈdɪʃənɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “conditioning” in a sentence?
Here is “conditioning” used in a sentence: “Classical conditioning was famously demonstrated with Pavlov's dogs.”
What part of speech is “conditioning”?
“Conditioning” is a noun.
Is “conditioning” a common word?
“Conditioning” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “conditioning” have?
“Conditioning” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: training that shapes behaviour through repetition and reward or punishment.
What is the difference between classical and operant conditioning?
Both are forms of learning that shape behavior. Classical conditioning links an automatic response to a new trigger through association, as with Pavlov's dogs salivating at a bell, while operant conditioning shapes voluntary behavior through consequences such as reward or punishment.
What is the difference between conditioning and training?
Training is broad and covers teaching any skill or behavior, while conditioning refers to shaping behavior or the body through repeated exposure, reward, or punishment. In fitness, conditioning specifically means building general physical readiness such as stamina, strength, and endurance rather than a single skill.
Is conditioning the same as brainwashing?
Both involve shaping behavior or responses, but conditioning is a neutral psychological term for learning through repetition, reward, or punishment, and can be positive, such as building good habits. Brainwashing implies coercive, manipulative conditioning that pressures someone to abandon their own beliefs.
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