gumption
10 synonyms for gumption, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Practical common sense and the drive to get things done without being told.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use gumption
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
have the gumption to
show some gumption
lacks gumption
Etymology
Borrowed from Scots gumption ("common sense, shrewdness, drive"); its deeper roots are unclear, though it may be connected to an old word meaning "attention" or "heed".
Full origin of gumption →Frequently asked questions
What does “gumption” mean?
The word “gumption” means practical common sense and the drive to get things done without being told. In plain terms, down-to-earth initiative and resourcefulness — the get-up-and-go to handle things yourself.
How do you pronounce “gumption”?
“Gumption” is pronounced GUHMP-shuhn (/ˈɡʌmpʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “gumption” in a sentence?
Here is “gumption” used in a sentence: “It takes real gumption to start a business with no savings.”
What part of speech is “gumption”?
“Gumption” is a noun.
