gumption
Gumption (noun) means Practical common sense and the drive to get things done without being told. Example: “It takes real gumption to start a business with no savings.”
How to use gumption
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDown-to-earth initiative and resourcefulness — the get-up-and-go to handle things yourself.
It is almost always used as a compliment, describing someone practical and gutsy rather than clever in an academic sense.
Trace the full origin ↓Word forms
gumptions plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It takes real _____ to start a business with no savings.
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".
Synonyms
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Rhymes for 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.