prowess

Meanings

1. 1noununcountableformal

   Outstanding skill or ability in a particular activity.

   Grammar: Used without an or a plural; often followed by in or at: prowess in battle.

   Patterns

   • prowess in something
   • prowess at something
   • prowess as something

   Her prowess in the pool earned her a place on the national team.

   The chef is famous for his culinary prowess.

   Players admired his prowess at reading the game.

2. 2noununcountableliterary

   Bravery and strength in fighting.

   Grammar: Often used about warriors or soldiers.

   Patterns

   • military prowess
   • prowess in battle

   The legend celebrates the knight's prowess in battle.

   Soldiers were chosen for their physical prowess and courage.

   Viking prowess was feared throughout the coast.

Common combinations

athletic prowess

Her athletic prowess impressed the coach.

military prowess

The empire's military prowess was legendary.

technical prowess

The engineers showed great technical prowess.

sexual prowess

The advert boasted of the athlete's alleged prowess.

demonstrate prowess

The pianist demonstrated her prowess in the final movement.

Synonyms and how they differ

skill

Skill is the everyday word for any ability, while prowess suggests exceptional skill, often admired.

expertise

Expertise stresses specialist knowledge, whereas prowess leans toward practical performance and power.

mastery

Mastery implies complete control gained over time, while prowess can describe a natural strength.

valor

Valor means courage in battle only, so it is narrower than prowess.

Opposites

Word family

prow adjective

an old word meaning valiant, from which prowess comes

proud adjective

a distant relation through the same Old French root

Commonly confused: prowess or prowls?

Practice

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Write a sentence using “prowess”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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