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 Word Forms

• prowessed 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

His prowess and his reputation were magnificent — a magnificent guy — just part of the warp and weft of all good music that came through there.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He has praised Andrew Tate’s “physical prowess” on social media along with his “willpower and spirit,” calling him “the embodiment of the ancient ideal of excellence.”

Read more on Salon

The brochure said the watch "demonstrated the incredible technical prowess of English watchmaking at the time", referring to it as "one of the most complicated English timepieces ever made".

Read more on BBC

The tariff war with the U.S. has added urgency to Beijing’s goal of making China technologically autonomous and honing its manufacturing prowess.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Her fighting prowess isn’t really the center of the film, though.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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