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Prowess is a word with a lot to be proud of. Not only has it performed gallantly for the English language since the 13th century, but it has stayed relatively stalwart in hewing to its original meaning, which is quite a flex. When prowess first joined the ranks of the lexicon, it could be used to refer to bravery, skill, and valor—especially those virtues as encountered in military contexts—or to individual acts of derring-do. The latter was usually used in the plural, as when people waxed rhapsodic about the “prowesses” of knights or some such. Today’s “extraordinary ability” meaning, which developed in the 17th century, tends to stick to the singular form, as when it’s used to describe those with intellectual prowess, or to someone known for their prowess as a fundraiser.
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Examples of prowess in a Sentence
Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 1 Apr. 2024
After the blockbuster trade that brought outfielder Juan Soto to the Yankees and ensuing one-year contract valued at $31 million in his final year of arbitration eligibility, Soto’s offensive prowess briefly overshadowed his defensive liabilities.
—Wayne G. McDonnell, Jr., Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024
This season in particular has been a testament to her prowess.
—Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 27 Mar. 2024
Not stopping there, Mariela excels on the field as a member of both the varsity soccer and track teams, demonstrating her prowess in athletics.
—The Courier-Journal, 22 Mar. 2024
That effort increased the trust level between us at the same time a robot beside us commented on my interviewing prowess.
—Gieson Cacho, The Mercury News, 22 Mar. 2024
Crafted with premium materials such as a leather upper and suede detailing, the shoe lives up to Hick’s creative prowess.
—Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 21 Mar. 2024
For our state and the broader economy of the Great Lakes region to benefit from UW-Madison’s scientific and technical prowess, the university’s culture must be less insular and more open to the outside world, particularly to business.
—Kathleen Gallagher, Journal Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2024
Abigail’s leadership and musical prowess have left an indelible mark on the collective sound, showcasing her ability to inspire and elevate those around her.
—Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prowess.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near prowess
Cite this Entry
“Prowess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prowess. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
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prowess
noun
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