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," 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

Jamie Greene appeared at Murdo Fraser's campaign launch, telling the audience he was the only candidate with the "gumption" to turn things around for the party.

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

Related Words

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