Gung-ho
What it means
Highly enthusiastic and eager to take part.
Reach for it when describing conspicuous eagerness to start or join an effort
The gung-ho volunteers finished sorting every winter coat.
Words to choose between 6
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm | |
| formal |
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playful
all-in
Fits when total commitment and willingness to invest effort are clear
Careful All-in implies risk or complete commitment that simple enthusiasm does not prove.
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playful
Fits when temporary, high-energy motivation suits casual speech
Careful Fired up may include anger and is unsuitable for a restrained professional assessment.
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everyday
Fits when strong positive interest is enough to describe
Careful Enthusiastic can be thoughtful and measured, while gung-ho hints at headlong energy.
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everyday
Fits when British-leaning understatement better fits polite interest
Careful Keen is milder and may not convey the forcefulness of a gung-ho group.
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warm
Fits when readiness to begin is more important than volume
Careful Eager may be quiet and individual rather than visibly zealous.
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formal
Fits when intense commitment to a cause is the supported meaning
Careful Zealous can imply intolerance or excess and sounds heavier than cheerful participation.
Opposites 3
- reluctant
- apathetic
- halfhearted
Common phrases 3
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gung-ho attitude
A gung-ho attitude helped at first but still needed a safety plan.
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gung-ho volunteer
The gung-ho volunteer accepted coaching before using the new equipment.
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too gung-ho
They were too gung-ho to notice that the permit had expired.
Usage notes
Keep in mind
Gung-ho can imply more enthusiasm than judgment, so it is not always unqualified praise.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated