adj

valiant

VA-lee-uhnt

adj

Showing great courage, especially in a difficult or dangerous situation.

"The firefighters made a valiant attempt to reach the trapped family."

"Despite the odds, she put up a valiant fight to save the business."

How to Use Valiant

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBrave, especially when the effort is impressive even if it doesn't succeed.

Memory tip

"Valiant" is often paired with attempts or efforts that fail nobly — "a valiant effort" doesn't have to win.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

a valiant effort valiant attempt fight valiantly

more valiant comparative, valiants plural, most valiant superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

The firefighters made a _____ attempt to reach the trapped family.

From Old French vaillant, from Latin valere, "to be strong or worth something" — the same root as "value" and "valid".

giant variant radiant defiant deviant reliant brilliant compliant