out of shape

Meaning

This expression describes someone who is not physically fit, healthy, or active. It implies that the person gets tired easily or struggles with physical exertion. The tone is casual and can be self-deprecating or descriptive, but should be used carefully to avoid sounding rude to others.

Examples

• I tried running yesterday, but I'm so out of shape I had to stop after five minutes.

  I tried running yesterday, but I'm so out of shape I had to stop after five minutes.

• Working a desk job all day has really made me get out of shape.

  Working a desk job all day has really made me get out of shape.

• She wants to join the hiking club, but she feels too out of shape right now.

  She wants to join the hiking club, but she feels too out of shape right now.

• Don't worry if you get tired quickly; we're all a bit out of shape after the winter.

  Don't worry if you get tired quickly; we're all a bit out of shape after the winter.

• He realized he was out of shape when climbing the stairs made him breathless.

  He realized he was out of shape when climbing the stairs made him breathless.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I am out of the shape.

  ✓ I am out of shape.

  Do not use the definite article 'the' in this idiom.

• ✗ He has an out of shape body.

  ✓ He is out of shape.

  While 'out-of-shape' can be used as an adjective before a noun, it is much more natural to use it as a predicate adjective (e.g., 'he is out of shape').

Related Expressions

Practice

• I need to start exercising because I'm terribly ___.

  💡 Not physically fit.

  Show answer

  out of shape

• Climbing those stairs made me realize just how ___ I am.

  💡 Unfit or lacking stamina.

  Show answer

  out of shape