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

With their gumption and desire for a job that reflects their values and need for work-life balance, Gen Z might finally rebalance the scales for good. —Ryan Hogg, Fortune, 8 July 2024

Gather your gumption to get through this — and remember that there’s a brilliant life waiting for you on the other side. —Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 2 June 2024

But for seven months, Biden has allowed himself to be ignored and steamrolled by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the question now is whether the court ruling will help Biden find the gumption to pressure Israel to obey the decision. —Nicholas Kristof, The Mercury News, 30 May 2024

Again, Melanie’s reassuring presence gives Taylor the gumption to tell her story. —Andy Andersen, Vulture, 19 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1719, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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Kids Definition

gumption

noun

gump·​tion ˈgəm(p)-shən 

: courageous or ambitious initiative

lacked the gumption to try