gumption

noun

gump·​tion ˈgəm(p)-shən 

1

: enterprise, initiative

lacked the gumption to try

2

chiefly dialectal : common sense, horse sense

Did you know?

English speakers have had gumption (the word, that is) since the early 1700s. The term's source isn't known, but early examples of it are found in Scottish (the related terms rumblegumption and rumgumption can be found there too). Gumption originally referred to common sense, but American English speakers adopted the word and took it in a new direction, using it to refer to the kind of courage or get-up-and-go that makes undertaking difficult things possible. Art historians may know a couple additional applications for the word: gumption was historically used both to refer to the art of preparing painters' colors, and as a synonym of megilp, which refers to a mixture of linseed oil and mastic varnish that is used as a vehicle for oil paints.

Synonyms

• common sense
• discreetness
• discretion
• horse sense
• levelheadedness
• nous [chiefly British]
• policy
• prudence
• sense
• sensibleness
• wisdom
• wit

Examples of gumption in a Sentence

It took a lot of gumption to speak up for yourself like that.

the company needs a new leader with the gumption and know-how that comes from experience

Recent Examples on the Web

What evidence is there to suggest the Wildcats possess the game and the gumption required to fend off plucky Long Beach State on Thursday in Salt Lake City, then repel Nevada or Dayton in the second round? —Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 19 Mar. 2024

But Forbes’ gumption was irreplaceable in the first half. —Luca Evans, Orange County Register, 11 Mar. 2024

What skills — beyond a combination of moxie, gumption, and can-do spirit — do these racers possess that will get them to the finish line before everyone else? —Dalton Ross, EW.com, 13 Sep. 2023

But the program also serves another purpose: Expanding Amazon’s role as a platform where anyone with enough gumption can make some extra cash. —Caroline O'Donovan, Washington Post, 26 Feb. 2024

Rodriguez elevates the proceedings with her ebullient charm and gumption, but occasionally overcompensates, leading to a few false notes. —Courtney Howard, Variety, 14 Feb. 2024

In our bootstrap-happy capitalist society, success is viewed as the direct result of one’s own wit, grit and gumption — which means anyone who fails is deemed to be lacking those qualities. —Karla L. Miller, Washington Post, 18 Jan. 2024

Under Communism, Doli had the gumption to raise a flock of chicks in their bathroom in order to secure a reliable supply of eggs for her family. —Han Zhang, The New Yorker, 26 Dec. 2023

The characters’ gumption lies not in big movie gestures but in steadiness during desperately uncertain times, one oar stroke after another. —Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Dec. 2023

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1719, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

Kids Definition

gumption

noun

gump·​tion ˈgəm(p)-shən 

: courageous or ambitious initiative

lacked the gumption to try