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

With national fundraising prowess and access to high-level tools and infrastructure, the DNC is best suited to provide the necessary behind-the-scenes resources local parties need. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024

Andrews' professional prowess was recognized in 2022 when she was honored with the Pat Summerall Award, a prestigious accolade named after the late sportscaster Pat Summerall. —Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 5 Dec. 2024

Season two of Netflix’s Rhythm + Flow brought together a group of fiercely talented and diverse artists who not only showcased their lyrical prowess, but also their resilience in the face of personal challenges. —Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 5 Dec. 2024

Aside from his prowess on the field ahead of each game the Atlanta Falcons wide receiver regularly keeps many of us on our toes. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 3 Dec. 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