athlete's foot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium (S2-S3)Informal, Medical/Everyday
Quick answer
What does “athlete's foot” mean?
A fungal infection of the skin between the toes, causing itching, scaling, and sometimes blisters.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A fungal infection of the skin between the toes, causing itching, scaling, and sometimes blisters.
A contagious condition (tinea pedis) often contracted in damp public areas like pools or gyms, where the fungus thrives. It can spread to other parts of the foot or body if untreated.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No lexical difference. 'Tinea pedis' is the formal medical term in both. 'Foot rot' is a very informal and less common alternative in both.
Connotations
Equally associated with locker rooms, communal showers, and poor foot hygiene in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common. Public health warnings in both countries use the term.
Grammar
How to Use “athlete's foot” in a Sentence
[Subject] has/got athlete's foot.[Subject] is treating/developed athlete's foot.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “athlete's foot” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- An athlete's-foot cream.
- An athlete's-foot sufferer.
American English
- An athlete's foot medication.
- An athlete's foot powder.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Relevant for health & safety in workplace showers or for pharmaceutical sales.
Academic
Used in dermatology, microbiology, and public health texts.
Everyday
Common in pharmacies, conversations about minor health issues.
Technical
Dermatological diagnosis: Tinea pedis, caused by dermatophytes like Trichophyton rubrum.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “athlete's foot”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “athlete's foot”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “athlete's foot”
- Athletes' feet (plural possessive – incorrect form)
- Athlete foot (dropping the possessive 's')
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'an athlete's foot').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, anyone can get it. It's common where feet are often damp and in warm, public environments like showers.
Yes, it can spread to other parts of your feet, your hands (tinea manuum), or your groin (jock itch) if you scratch and touch elsewhere.
Usually with over-the-counter antifungal creams, sprays, or powders. Severe cases may require prescription oral medication.
Keep feet clean and dry, wear moisture-wicking socks, change shoes regularly, and wear sandals in public showers/pool areas.
A fungal infection of the skin between the toes, causing itching, scaling, and sometimes blisters.
Athlete's foot is usually informal, medical/everyday in register.
Athlete's foot: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæθliːts ˌfʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæθˌlits ˌfʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
"Athletes run, their feet get hot and sweaty – perfect for the fungus to start a party."
Conceptual Metaphor
HEALTH IS CLEANLINESS / DISEASE IS INVASION.
Practice
Quiz
What is the formal medical term for 'athlete's foot'?