What it means
Gumption is that get-up-and-go mix of common sense, nerve, and initiative that gets a thing done with nobody holding your hand. Someone with gumption sizes up a mess, rolls their sleeves up, and just cracks on instead of dithering about it.
Usage examples
"Starting a business at nineteen takes real gumption."
"She had the gumption to fix the leak herself rather than wait a week for a plumber."
"You've got to admire her gumption, she saw the whole thing falling apart and sorted it before anyone else had even found the kettle."
"He hasn't got loads of experience, but he's got gumption, and half the battle is just being willing to have a go."
"Fair play, that took gumption. Everyone else was stood there moaning and she just got in and sorted it."
Voice comments
No one has left their voice yet. Break the ice.
Where it comes from
Gumption is a real old Scots word that’s been knocking about in print since the 1700s. At first it meant good sense and practical judgment. Later, wider English stretched it a bit, so now it often carries that extra spark of nerve and can-do drive along with plain common sense.
Editors of this term
Your vote counts
Is this real street talk or have we lost the plot? Cast your vote.