# prowess

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈpɹaʊɪs/ · frequency rank #18,401

## Definitions
1. Skillfulness or extraordinary ability in a particular area of expertise; dexterity, mastery, or proficiency.
2. Distinguished bravery or courage, especially in battle; heroism.
3. An act of prowess.
4. An act of prowess.

## Etymology
From Middle English prowesse, prouwesse, proues, prouesce, prouesse (“bravery in battle; act of bravery; excellence; nobility of character; intelligence”), from Old French proeche, proesce, proeësche (“goodness; excellence; bravery”), from Old French preu, prou, prouz, proz, pruz (“good; excellent; brave”). Compare English proud.

## Easily confused with
- **press** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/press-vs-prowess)
- **Powers** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/powers-vs-prowess)
- **proves** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/proves-vs-prowess)
- **process** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/process-vs-prowess)
- **protest** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/protest-vs-prowess)
- **profess** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/profess-vs-prowess)
- **Proteus** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/proteus-vs-prowess)
- **progress** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/progress-vs-prowess)

## Common misspellings (9)
`porwess`, `pprowess`, `proewss`, `prowes`, `prowses`, `prowwess`, `prrowess`, `prwoess`, `rpowess`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/prowess