Mettlesome
adj.resilient, energeticliterary
What it means
Showing spirited courage and eager determination.
Reach for it when praising lively resolve when it remains directed and does not become needless combativeness
The mettlesome crew repaired the footbridge despite cold rain and a shrinking tide.
Choose between these
6- playful
energetic resistance and assertiveness stand out
not when Feisty often suggests irritability or a readiness to quarrel.
- playful
a person is cheerfully willing to attempt something difficult
not when Game may signal willingness alone, without resilient follow-through.
- warm
cheerful bravery appears despite disadvantage
not when Plucky can sound patronizing, especially toward adults facing serious risk.
- warm
lively energy and confidence are visible
not when Spirited can describe animation without courage under pressure.
- professional
someone acts despite recognized danger or fear
not when Courageous is solemn and lacks mettlesome vitality.
- formal
heroic bravery deserves elevated praise
not when Valorous is grander and less playful than mettlesome.
Said against
4- timid
- spiritless
- cowardly
- listless
It naturally appears in
3- mettlesome spirit
Her mettlesome spirit steadied the team after its opening loss.
- mettlesome competitor
The mettlesome competitor fought for every point without disputing fair calls.
- mettlesome response
A mettlesome response turned the failed trial into a better design.
Where this comes from
- wiktionary, English adjective, spirited and courageous sense opens in a new tab · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.