prowess

[ prou-is ]

noun

1. exceptional valor, bravery, or ability, especially in combat or battle.
2. exceptional or superior ability, skill, or strength:

   his prowess as a public speaker.

3. a valiant or daring deed.

prowess

/ ˈpraʊɪs /

noun

1. outstanding or superior skill or ability
2. bravery or fearlessness, esp in battle

Other Words From

• prowessed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of prowess¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Old French proesse, proece “goodness, bravery,” equivalent to prou prow ² + -esse, from Latin -itia -ice

Word History and Origins

Origin of prowess¹

C13: from Old French proesce, from prou good; see proud

Example Sentences

But, according to former BBC TV producer Andrew Graystone in his 2021 book about the abuse, the case was bedevilled with problems, police documents were missing and Smyth’s legal prowess led to the prosecutor being removed - another one was never appointed, so the case was essentially shelved in 1997.

From BBC

The changes also led to the recruitment of outside supervisors, like Colomey, who hadn’t previously worked in SWAT, and revised the selection criteria, from focusing heavily on physical prowess to placing more weight on problem-solving skills.

From Los Angeles Times

In what would be a blow to the research prowess of the University of California, a Trump White House could reduce federal funding in areas of ideological disdain — climate change, for instance — or tie funding to political goals such as reining in teaching about race.

From Los Angeles Times

But it will also have a lot to do with his advertising prowess.

From Slate

Now Democrats hold 93 of 120 seats in the California Legislature, casually dubbed a “super supermajority,” and the party’s prowess in California is exposing the downsides of extreme one-party rule.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accomplishment
• aptitude
• dexterity
• excellence
• expertise
• genius
• mastery
• readiness
• talent