inner strength

American  

[in-er strengkth, strength, strenth] / ˈɪn ər ˈstrɛŋkθ, ˈstrɛŋθ, ˈstrɛnθ /

noun

1. mental power or endurance, such as willpower, courage, self-confidence, or self-discipline.

   Her inner strength and her deep love of dancing helped her survive the ebbs and flows of a long career.

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Etymology

Origin of inner strength

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

It was a hard emotional transition, but the experience gave me discipline and inner strength.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 23, 2025

There is tremendous stigma in seeking help, Pranom said, but she wants to pay it forward with gam-rang-jai — inner strength — to encourage others to reclaim their lives.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2025

Like the author, Violet has a genetic condition that means the character dislocates joints and breaks bones easily - so must use her wits and inner strength to help her survive.

From BBC • Jan. 21, 2025

He finds this inner strength he didn’t know existed to do things that are so unbelievable to him as a character.

From Salon • Oct. 1, 2024

“This might not be like that. Maybe this artist is trying to highlight the beauty and inner strength of the Black community,” Dad says.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold

Related Words

• self-assurance