What does pluckiness mean?
Pluckiness means courage or boldness, but it often carries a warmer, more approving tone than words such as boldness alone. The word commonly describes someone who acts with confidence, spirit, and determination, particularly in a demanding or intimidating situation. It can also suggest a lively or dashing quality, so it is sometimes used with gentle humour. For example, a performer might be praised for her pluckiness in returning to the stage after a serious setback. Pluckiness is less common in everyday neutral speech than courage, nerve, or boldness and tends to appear in literary, biographical, or admiring descriptions. Its distinctive contribution is the suggestion that bravery is not only a matter of overcoming fear but may also be stylish, spirited, and memorable.
nounBoldness or courage, especially when displayed in a lively, spirited, or attractive way.
- Boldness or courage, especially in a spirited, confident, or appealing manner.
"Her pluckiness in the face of an impossible challenge won the audience over."
"The young climber displayed a combination of skill and pluckiness that impressed her guides."
"His account of the adventure was full of pluckiness and good-natured humor."
Pluckiness is normally treated as an uncountable noun, so it is used without a regular plural in ordinary prose.
"She showed remarkable pluckiness throughout the ordeal."
Pluckiness is courage with flair: the boldness to act, brightened by spirit and confidence.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pluckiness come from?
Pluckiness was formed in the early 19th century from pluck, meaning courage or spirit, together with the suffix -iness. Pluck itself developed figurative senses of courage and determination from its older meaning of pulling or tugging. The related adjective plucky conveys similar admiration for someone brave or spirited, while cognates in other Germanic languages reflect the same broad association with courage.
Related word forms
How pluckiness is actually used
Pluckiness is somewhat literary and admiring in tone. It usually suggests courageous or dashing behaviour and can be used approvingly or, occasionally, humorously.