prowess

noun

prow·​ess ˈprau̇-əs 

 also  ˈprō-

1

: distinguished bravery

especially : military valor and skill

2

: extraordinary ability

his prowess on the football field

Did you know?

Prowess is a word with a lot to be proud of. Not only has it performed gallantly for the English language since the 13th century, but it has stayed relatively stalwart in hewing to its original meaning, which is quite a flex. When prowess first joined the ranks of the lexicon, it could be used to refer to bravery, skill, and valor—especially those virtues as encountered in military contexts—or to individual acts of derring-do. The latter was usually used in the plural, as when people waxed rhapsodic about the “prowesses” of knights or some such. Today’s “extraordinary ability” meaning, which developed in the 17th century, tends to stick to the singular form, as when it’s used to describe those with intellectual prowess, or to someone known for their prowess as a fundraiser.

Synonyms

• bottle [British slang]
• bravery
• courage
• courageousness
• daring
• daringness
• dauntlessness
• doughtiness
• fearlessness
• gallantry
• greatheartedness
• guts
• gutsiness
• hardihood
• heart
• heroism
• intestinal fortitude
• intrepidity
• intrepidness
• moxie
• nerve
• pecker [chiefly British]
• stoutness
• valor
• virtue

Examples of prowess in a Sentence

He is known for his prowess on the football field.

their naval and military prowess

Recent Examples on the Web

Vasan Bala’s directorial prowess is evident in every frame. —Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 26 Sep. 2024

Turkey's engineering prowess is especially on display between Sivas and Erzum where 138 tunnels were built to cut through the Eastern Anatolian High Plateau. —Kurt Johnson, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Sep. 2024

Pinpointing the exact reasons for the Basque Country’s documentary prowess is challenging, yet Xabi Berzosa of Irusoin speculates that regions with deep historical roots create fertile ground for the genre to thrive. —Callum McLennan, Variety, 24 Sep. 2024

Leatherette upholstery, a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, four USB-C ports, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a new 27-inch infotainment digital cluster screen provide additional Genesis prowess. —James Raia, The Mercury News, 22 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English prouesse, from Anglo-French pruesse, prowesse, from prou

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

prowess

noun

prow·​ess ˈprau̇-əs 

1

: great bravery especially in battle

2

: very great ability

athletic prowess