prowess
Americannoun
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exceptional valor, bravery, or ability, especially in combat or battle.
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exceptional or superior ability, skill, or strength.
his prowess as a public speaker.
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a valiant or daring deed.
noun
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outstanding or superior skill or ability
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bravery or fearlessness, esp in battle
Other Word Forms
- prowessed adjective
Etymology
Origin of prowess
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Old French proesse, proece “goodness, bravery,” equivalent to prou prow 2 + -esse, from Latin -itia -ice
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Others are ready to play on varsity as freshmen because of their physical and mental prowess.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky toured Gulf countries, signing defense and security deals leveraging Ukraine’s military prowess.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026
For decades, mole catchers in the countryside have hung their carcasses on fences to be counted for payment and as evidence of their trapping prowess.
From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026
If you’re Melissa Leo, you might even take out your own for-your-consideration ad to remind voters of your prowess.
From Salon • Mar. 11, 2026
“It will make you powerful. But it will also make you weak. Your prowess in combat will be beyond any mortals, but your weaknesses, your failings will increase as well.”
From "The Last Olympian" by Rick Riordan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
