pluckiness
Brave despite odds
Pluckiness is spirited courage in the face of difficulty—a scrappy willingness to keep trying despite the odds.
The word carries warmth and admiration, often applied to underdogs or those who punch above their weight: I admired her pluckiness in standing up to the committee.
It suggests heart more than brawn.
Informal word for courage
- mettleStrength of character
- backboneVertebral column, or courage
- spiritSoul, mood, or liquor
- gumptionSpirited practical courage
heart · fire · feistiness · scrappiness · sass · cheekiness · impudence · spiritedness
Fortitude facing danger
- valorCourage in danger
- fearlessnessComplete lack of dread
- boldnessFearless readiness to act
- daringAdventurous courage
audacity · intrepidity · gallantry · heroism · nerve · dauntlessness · stout-heartedness · lionhearted
Determination or abrasive particles
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
- determinationFirmness of purpose
- fortitudeEnduring courage under pain
steadfastness · endurance · persistence · resolve · doggedness · stick-to-itiveness · bounce-back · fighting spirit
spunk
Informal word for courage
gumption · heart · fire · feistiness · scrappiness · sass · cheekiness · impudence · spiritedness · get-up-and-go
courage
Fortitude facing danger
- valorCourage in danger
- fearlessnessComplete lack of dread
- boldnessFearless readiness to act
daring · audacity · intrepidity · gallantry · heroism · nerve · dauntlessness · stout-heartedness · lionhearted · undaunted
grit
Determination or abrasive particles
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
- determinationFirmness of purpose
fortitude · steadfastness · endurance · persistence · resolve · doggedness · stick-to-itiveness · bounce-back · fighting spirit · never-say-die
pluckinesscowardice
Absence of bravery
timidity · gutlessness · fearfulness · spinelessness · pusillanimity
pluck, plucky, plucked, plucking, plucks, pluckily, pluckiest, pluckier