core strength: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Semi-formal; common in technical fitness contexts, metaphorical in business/academic contexts.
Quick answer
What does “core strength” mean?
The strength of the muscles in the torso (abdomen, lower back, pelvis, and diaphragm) that stabilize the body and support movement.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The strength of the muscles in the torso (abdomen, lower back, pelvis, and diaphragm) that stabilize the body and support movement.
The fundamental or essential capability, power, or resilience of a person, system, or organization.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. 'Abdominal strength' or 'torso strength' are less common alternatives in both.
Connotations
Slightly more clinical/technical in UK fitness writing; more mainstream in US wellness discourse.
Frequency
Higher frequency in US media and fitness culture; common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “core strength” in a Sentence
Have + core strengthBuild/develop + core strengthLack + core strengthCore strength + comes fromCore strength + is essential forVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “core strength” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He needs to core-strengthen his routine. (rare, non-standard)
American English
- The programme is designed to core-train athletes. (rare, non-standard)
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form.
American English
- No standard adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- She attended a core-strength workshop. (compound modifier)
American English
- He follows a core-strength regimen. (compound modifier)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the fundamental competitive advantage or resilience of a company. 'The firm's core strength is its innovative R&D department.'
Academic
Used metaphorically for the foundational robustness of a theory or methodology. 'The core strength of this framework is its adaptability.'
Everyday
Primarily refers to physical fitness. 'Pilates is great for improving your core strength.'
Technical
Specific physiotherapy, sports science, and fitness training term. 'The exercise targets transverse abdominis activation to enhance core strength.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “core strength”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “core strength”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “core strength”
- Using it as an adjective (e.g., 'core strength exercises' is correct; 'very core strength' is not).
- Confusing with 'core competency' in business (overlap, but 'strength' is broader).
- Spelling as one word ('corestrength').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Visible abs (rectus abdominis) are just one part. Core strength involves deeper stabilizing muscles like the transverse abdominis, obliques, and lower back muscles.
Yes, it is an accepted and clear metaphor in business, academic, and analytical writing to denote fundamental resilience or a primary asset.
They are related but distinct. 'Core strength' refers to the power of the muscles. 'Core stability' refers to the ability to control the position and movement of the core, which relies on strength, endurance, and neuromuscular coordination.
Primarily uncountable (e.g., 'She has great core strength'). It can be used in a countable way in its metaphorical sense when referring to multiple distinct foundational assets (e.g., 'The organisation has several core strengths').
The strength of the muscles in the torso (abdomen, lower back, pelvis, and diaphragm) that stabilize the body and support movement.
Core strength: in British English it is pronounced /kɔː streŋθ/, and in American English it is pronounced /kɔr streŋkθ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The core strength of the argument”
- “At its core strength”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an apple's CORE: it's the hard, central part that holds the seeds. Your CORE STRENGTH is the central, holding power of your body.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE CENTRE IS THE FOUNDATION OF STRENGTH / AN ORGANIZATION IS A BODY.
Practice
Quiz
In a business context, 'core strength' is most similar to: