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Definition of gumption

gumption

/ˈɡʌmp.ʃən/
gump · tion
Adjective:gumptious
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gumption Lexical Profile

gumption Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Shrewd or spirited initiative, resourcefulness, and courage in pursuing a goal or handling practical matters.

Example

"It took a lot of gumption for her to start her own bakery from scratch during an economic downturn."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for gumption

• Nearby Words

gumline
gumminess
gummy
gumption
gumshield
gumshoe
gumtree

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in early 18th-century Scottish dialect meaning common sense or shrewdness, possibly related to Middle English 'gome' (attention or heed) from Old Norse 'gaumr'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Gumption. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/gumption
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