Meaning & use
survival of the fittest
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Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
The idea that living things best suited to their surroundings are the ones that live on and have young.
Grammar: Used as a noun phrase, usually with 'the' before it: the survival of the fittest.
Patterns
- the survival of the fittest
- survival of the fittest in something
In the struggle for life, survival of the fittest means that weaker individuals are less likely to pass on their genes.
The documentary explained survival of the fittest using examples from island animals.
Some people wrongly use survival of the fittest to justify harsh social policies.
phrasefixed phrasefigurative
A situation where only the strongest or most competitive people, companies, or ideas continue to exist.
Grammar: Often used figuratively about business, sport, or society, not just biology.
Patterns
- survival of the fittest in business
- it's survival of the fittest
In the tech industry, it can feel like survival of the fittest, with small startups closing every week.
The coach told the team that the playoffs are survival of the fittest.
Critics say the policy turns healthcare into survival of the fittest.
Common combinations
- the survival of the fittest
- The phrase 'the survival of the fittest' was not actually coined by Darwin.
- survival of the fittest in nature
- Survival of the fittest in nature does not always mean physical strength.
- a case of survival of the fittest
- The competition was a case of survival of the fittest.
- survival of the fittest applies to
- Survival of the fittest applies to ideas as well as animals.
Synonyms and how they differ
- natural selection
- This is the scientific term for the process; 'survival of the fittest' is a more popular, sometimes looser way to describe it.
- selection
- A short technical term used in biology; it does not carry the same everyday, competitive tone.
Word family
Commonly confused: survival of the fittest or natural selection?
survival of the fittest vs natural selection
Natural selection is the scientific mechanism; 'survival of the fittest' is a catchy summary that can be misleading because 'fit' means suited to the environment, not necessarily physically strong.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'survival of the fittest' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The fixed phrase is 'survival of the fittest' with 'the' and the superlative 'fittest'. Option 1 adds an extra noun, option 2 changes the adjective, and option 3 drops 'the'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “survival of the fittest”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.