Word
firepower
Phoneticsfire·pow·er, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfaɪɹˌpaʊɝ/
UK/fˈaɪəpaʊɐ/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the amount of power or strength someone has to get things done. It can describe actual weapons or the talent and resources of a team.
n. the capacity for delivering military force, specifically the volume of fire a unit can produce. In a figurative sense, refers to the collective resources, intellectual strength, or influence available to an organization.
Examples
“The team has enough firepower to win the championship.”
“The law firm hired three more senior partners to increase its legal firepower for the upcoming trial.”
“Despite their superior numbers, the infantry lacked the necessary firepower to breach the fortified walls without heavy artillery support.”
Examples
simple
“The team has enough firepower to win the championship.”
contextual
“The law firm hired three more senior partners to increase its legal firepower for the upcoming trial.”
complex
“Despite their superior numbers, the infantry lacked the necessary firepower to breach the fortified walls without heavy artillery support.”
Usage
Often used metaphorically in business or sports to describe talent or financial resources.
Real-World Examples
“Lloyd-Smith will be one to keep an eye on, the England youngster adding more firepower to the team.” “No dreadful signings or appointments have been made, and with Tom Cannon and Patrick Bamford they possess firepower.” Etymology
From fire + power.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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