gumption

[ guhmp-shuhn ]

noun

, Informal.

1. initiative; aggressiveness; resourcefulness:

   With his gumption he'll make a success of himself.

2. courage; spunk; guts:

   It takes gumption to quit a high-paying job.

3. Chiefly British Dialect. common sense; shrewdness.

gumption

/ ˈɡʌmpʃən /

noun

1. common sense or resourcefulness
2. initiative or courage

   you haven't the gumption to try

Other Words From

• gumption·less adjective
• gumptious adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gumption¹

1710–20; originally Scots

Word History and Origins

Origin of gumption¹

C18: originally Scottish, of unknown origin

Example Sentences

"I tried my best and gave it all the gumption I could muster," the letter reads, with the offer of a cash reward to anyone "who can complete the job".

From BBC

"I tried my best and gave it all the gumption I could muster," it reads.

From BBC

Lee however remained undeterred by her illness and summoned the gumption and self-confidence to return to the mat after a brief hiatus, brushing aside the narrowly construed frameworks of athleticism.

From Salon

“But it’s her gumption that’s inspirational to me,” Pusić continues, “just the courage of someone of that caliber to put themselves in such unfamiliar territory and go forward with such boldness and energy.”

From Los Angeles Times

What gave you the gumption to stop dying your hair?

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• acumen
• cleverness
• courage
• good sense
• initiative
• resourcefulness
• savvy
• shrewdness