ingenuity

noun

in·​ge·​nu·​i·​ty ˌin-jə-ˈnü-ə-tē 

-ˈnyü-

plural ingenuities

1

a

: skill or cleverness in devising or combining : inventiveness

b

: cleverness or aptness of design or contrivance

2

: an ingenious device or contrivance

3

obsolete : candor, ingenuousness

Synonyms

• cleverness
• creativeness
• creativity
• imagination
• imaginativeness
• ingeniousness
• innovativeness
• invention
• inventiveness
• originality

Examples of ingenuity in a Sentence

She showed amazing ingenuity in finding ways to cut costs.

It will take considerable ingenuity to fix these problems.

Recent Examples on the Web

Besides holding countless stories from their past uses, these residences showcase creative thinking, the power of human ingenuity, and remind us that there is always merit in the nontraditional path. —Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 3 July 2024

Progress is cast as an unstoppable force, rather than a product of effort and ingenuity. —Becca Rothfeld, Washington Post, 26 June 2024

Investing in the stock market means investing in the power of human ingenuity to adapt and innovate. —Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 24 June 2024

This duo will discuss their produce and farm practices as guests enjoy the fruits (and veggies) of their labor and chef Eric Ferguson’s ingenuity in the kitchen. —Kayleigh Ruller, Charlotte Observer, 20 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1592, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Kids Definition

ingenuity

noun

in·​ge·​nu·​ity

ˌin-jə-ˈn(y)ü-ət-ē

plural ingenuities

1

: skill or cleverness in discovering, inventing, or planning

2

: an ingenious device