# prowess

/ˈpɹaʊəs/ (US) · /pɹˈaʊɛs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/prowess
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. exceptional skill

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

great skill or ability in a particular activity or field.

For teachers: extraordinary ability or proficiency in a specific area of expertise. Uncountable in this sense.

- The young athlete showed great prowess on the tennis court during the tournament.
- Her academic prowess was evident from her ability to synthesise complex philosophical arguments into clear, persuasive essays.

Usage: Often followed by the preposition 'in' or 'at' to specify the field of expertise.

Teaching tip: This is the most common modern use of the word. It is a high-level synonym for 'skill' used in professional or journalistic writing.

### 2. bravery

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary · Formal

great courage or bravery, especially when fighting in a war.

For teachers: distinguished bravery or heroism, typically in a military or combat context.

- The stories told of the knight's prowess in battle against many enemies.
- The historical accounts frequently highlight the commander's military prowess and his tactical brilliance during the siege.

Teaching tip: This sense is increasingly rare in modern speech and is mostly found in historical novels or epic stories.

## Examples

- She is famous for her athletic prowess.
- The company's global success is largely due to the CEO's marketing prowess and strategic vision.
- While his academic prowess was never in doubt, his inability to manage interpersonal relationships hindered his progress within the university administration.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.