What does "prowess" mean?
Skillfulness or extraordinary ability in a particular area of expertise; dexterity, mastery, or proficiency.
Prowess
/ˈpɹaʊɪs/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Skillfulness or extraordinary ability in a particular area of expertise; dexterity, mastery, or proficiency.
- Grammar: prowess is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: ability, ability, address, adeptness.
- Useful contrasts: cowardice, fearfulness, incompetence.
- Usage evidence: His martial arts prowess has already reached a level of sublime perfection.
How to use "prowess"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "prowess" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "prowess" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "prowess" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "prowess" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "prowess" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "ability" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "prowess", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Skillfulness or extraordinary ability in a particular area of expertise; dexterity, mastery, or proficiency. uncountable
"When in liquor he would make foolish wagers. On one of these too frequent occasions he was boasting of his prowess as a pedestrian and athlete, and the outcome was a match against nature. For a stake of one sovereign he undertook to run all the way to Coventry and back, a distance of something more than forty miles."
- 2 a superior skill that you can learn by study and practice and observation wordnet
- 3 Distinguished bravery or courage, especially in battle; heroism. uncountable
"That libertie Poets of late in their invectives have exceeded: they have borne their ſword up where it is not lawfull for a poynado, that is but the page of proweſſe, to intermeddle."
- 4 An act of prowess.; An act of adroitness or dexterity. countable, uncountable
"I recollect hearing […] of his [Sir William Hamilton's] simple, independent, meditative habits, ruggedly athletic modes of exercise, fondness for his big dog, etc. etc.: […] I did not witness, much less share in, any of the swimming or other athletic prowesses."
- 5 An act of prowess.; An act of distinguished bravery or courage; a heroic deed. countable, uncountable
"Thenne the batails approuched and ſhoue and ſhowted on bothe ſydes / many men ouerthrowen / hurte / & ſlayn and grete valyaunces / proweſſes and appertyces of werre were that day ſhewed […]"
Example
"His martial arts prowess has already reached a level of sublime perfection."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "prowess"?
Common synonyms include: ability, ability, address, adeptness, adroit, adroitness.
How do you use "prowess" in a sentence?
His martial arts prowess has already reached a level of sublime perfection.
How do you pronounce "prowess"?
Pronounced /ˈpɹaʊɪs/.
Etymology
From Middle English prowesse, prouwesse, proues, prouesce, prouesse (“bravery in battle; act of bravery; excellence; nobility of character; intelligence”), from Old French proeche, proesce, proeësche (“goodness; excellence; bravery”), from Old French preu, prou, prouz, proz, pruz (“good; excellent; brave”). Compare English proud.