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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.
Examples of prowess in a Sentence
Julia Ranney, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
This investment in financial technology and digital prowess was a common theme among the 385 financial institutions that made this year’s list of the World’s Best Banks.
—Haniya Rae, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Both of these performers are whopping musical talents and their mutual vocal prowess is very much on display — to the obvious delight of the many Jonas fans in the house.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
Match With Nia Jax Charlotte Flair is renowned for her in-ring prowess, but her television matches have sometimes failed to live up to her high standards.
—John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prowess
Cite this Entry
“Prowess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prowess. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.
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prowess
noun
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