plucky

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "plucky" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that means courageous, spirited and determined in the face of difficulty. For example, you can write: "The plucky team kept fighting even though they were down by five points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If their status as plucky underdogs doesn't get neutrals rooting for them, then the prospect of seeing whatever carefully rehearsed celebration they unveil in the event of their first league title win surely will.

The Guardian - Sport

Theirs was a plucky struggle against the monstrous machines of profit.

The Guardian

Juno star Page plays the plucky Bliss Cavendar, a smalltown loner who signs up for a roller derby against the wishes of her uptight mum (Marcia Gay Harden).

The Guardian - Film

But in the symbolic realm he represented the plucky underdog – the simple house painter teaching those snobby Yankees a thing or do.

The Guardian - Opinion

Huntsman is the plucky outsider, plugging away at one state, visiting town after town after town, winning votes literally one handshake at a time.

The Guardian - Opinion

The BBC's new docu-drama series, Armada, opened last night with visual reenactments of all the hoary tropes of Elizabethan storytelling: a beleaguered isle, led by a vacillating queen; plucky English sailors knocking together a flotilla from the few planks of driftwood and some Vaseline; wordless, faceless Spaniards, bearing down with dark crucifixes upon their captives as instruments of torture.

The Guardian - Opinion

If 2012 was the year Britain shed the tag of plucky losers, Wiggins was head of the revolution's vanguard.

The Guardian

(She was adept at playing plucky orphans).

The Guardian - Film

The rhetoric that accompanied the campaign was striking, too: it celebrated the martial races of the Himalayan foothills, who are plucky and loyal.But given that Ms Lumley's success means that thousands of relatively rich Nepalis will leave a badly governed country, the reception she received might seem strange; indeed, it puzzled some Nepalis.

The Economist

When a small, plucky column of old people and priests marched through the orange throng, carrying icons and blue-and-white Yanukovich flags, there were remonstrations but no molestations.

The Economist

Moreover, Mrs Schipanski's plucky performance could boost the Christian Democrats in the elections due to be held in several eastern states (including Thuringia) later this year.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plucky" to describe underdogs or those who show courage in the face of adversity, particularly when highlighting their spirited nature.

Common error

Avoid using "plucky" in contexts where a more formal or serious term like "courageous" is more appropriate, as "plucky" often carries a connotation of spiritedness or even a touch of lightheartedness.

Linguistic Context

The word "plucky" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe someone or something exhibiting courage, determination, and spirit, especially in difficult circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms this adjective usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plucky" is a versatile adjective used to describe individuals or groups displaying courage and spirit, often in the face of challenging situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media, to highlight positive attributes of resilience. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider the context to ensure its connotation of spiritedness aligns with the intended message. Consider "courageous", "spirited", or "brave" as alternatives depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

courageous

Focuses directly on bravery and willingness to face danger.

spirited

Highlights enthusiasm and energy in the face of adversity.

brave

A straightforward term for facing fear with boldness.

feisty

Suggests a spirited, sometimes aggressive, determination.

gutsy

Implies a raw, visceral courage.

spunky

Conveys a lively and resilient spirit, often in a youthful or playful way.

intrepid

Emphasizes fearlessness and adventurousness.

doughty

An older term suggesting strength and valor.

valiant

Highlights heroism and nobility in the face of danger.

resolute

Focuses on unwavering determination and commitment.

FAQs

How can I use "plucky" in a sentence?

Use "plucky" to describe someone who shows courage and determination, often in the face of adversity. For example, "The "plucky underdog" fought hard against the champion."

What are some synonyms for "plucky"?

Synonyms for "plucky" include "courageous", "spirited", "brave", "feisty", and "gutsy". Choose the word that best fits the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "plucky" a formal or informal word?

"Plucky" is generally considered to be a neutral to slightly informal word. While acceptable in many contexts, more formal situations might call for words like "courageous" or "valiant".

What's the difference between "plucky" and "brave"?

While both "plucky" and "brave" describe courage, "plucky" often implies a spirited and determined attitude, especially when facing challenges as an underdog. "Brave" is a more general term for facing fear with boldness.