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

And what is so special about Bette Davis is an incredible inner strength and the way she talks.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 4, 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

“She has the inner strength, the support of her husband and her extraordinary family, so she can focus on what’s important, which is her getting back to strength,” Anderson told People.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 29, 2024

Despite my romantic deficiencies, I gradually adjusted to township life, and began to develop a sense of inner strength, a belief that I could do well outside the world in which I had grown up.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

• self-assurance