What does condition mean?
"Condition" is one of English's most versatile nouns, carrying several closely related meanings. Most fundamentally, it describes the state something or someone is in — its quality, health, or working order, as in a house in excellent condition or a patient in stable condition. Just as importantly, it can denote a requirement or stipulation: an agreement made on condition that certain terms are met, or the conditions attached to a loan. In the plural, it frequently refers to the circumstances surrounding people's lives, as in working conditions, living conditions, or weather conditions. In medical usage, it names an illness or disorder. The word carries no inherent emotional charge — it is precise, practical, and indispensable wherever quality, terms, or circumstances must be described, making it essential vocabulary in law, commerce, healthcare, and everyday conversation alike.
The state of something or someone with respect to quality, health, appearance, or working order.
"The vintage guitar was in remarkable condition after fifty years."
Often used with prepositions like "in" (in good/bad condition).
To train or accustom someone or something to behave in a certain way; to bring something into a desired state (as hair conditioner does for hair).
"The athletes were conditioned to endure extreme heat during training."
A requirement, stipulation, or clause that must be satisfied, especially in an agreement or contract.
"He lent her the money on condition that she repay it within six months."
In the plural, "conditions" most commonly refers to surrounding circumstances (living conditions, working conditions) or to multiple stipulations in an agreement.
"Conditions at the factory improved significantly after the new regulations were introduced."
Every contract you've ever signed hides dozens of them — conditions are the quiet fine print that quietly runs the world.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of condition
"Condition" comes from Latin "condicio", meaning agreement or stipulation, derived from the verb "condicere" — a combination of "com-/con-" (together) and "dicere" (to say or speak). It entered English through Old French "condicion" in the Middle Ages, originally carrying strong senses of contractual terms and social rank before broadening into its modern meanings of state and circumstance. It shares its Latin root "dicere" with words like "predict," "indicate," "verdict," and "dictate."
Related word forms
How condition is actually used
"Condition" is neutral to slightly formal in register; it appears constantly in legal, medical, and commercial contexts. In medicine, "a condition" often means a chronic illness, which can carry sensitive connotations when discussing someone's health.
Easily confused with condition
"Condition" is the state itself or a required term, while "conditioning" is the process of training behavior or preparing something.