Forcefulness, defined as the quality of being characterized or full of force, almost always bears replacement with force. And where the clunky forcefulness can’t be replaced with force, alternatives such as intensity, momentum, power, and effectiveness are sometimes more precise. Forcefulness occasionally works where force could be wrongly interpreted as meaning violent action, but such instances are rare.
Examples
For example, the following sentences could be streamlined by replacing the trisyllabic forcefulness with the breezier force:
A lack of forcefulness, or political ruthlessness, in FitzGerald’s make-up appeared to be an integral part of his DNA. [Irish Times]
He seemed to grow stronger as the show progressed, projecting his voice with increasing forcefulness … [Austinist]
The Kronos Quartet played the music with forcefulness, passion and a suitably harsh timbre. [New York Times]
And in these examples, there are more precise alternatives to forcefulness:
It’s an icon of her unique leadership style, comprising all the forcefulness [effectiveness?] of Gladstone or Lloyd George … [Guardian]
Ana Sophia Scheller, in another NY début as Calliope, might tone back the forcefulness [intensity?] of her attack … [Faster Times]
… I was struck not only by the forcefulness [power?] of his message, but by the sheer conviction and sense of purpose that drove it. [Telegraph]
Forcefulness isn’t wrong in these sentences, but the alternatives are at least worth considering.
