ideation

noun

ide·​a·​tion ˌī-dē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce ideation (audio)
: the capacity for or the act of forming or entertaining ideas
Local coaches and mentors guide student teams through the process of ideation, market research, and business plan development …Maryann Mills
… the new space offers a smorgasbord of work environments—cozy two-chair-and-a-screen setups for small Zoom gatherings, … and floor-to-ceiling whiteboards in some places for spontaneous ideationChase DiFeliciantonio
see also suicidal ideation

Examples of ideation in a Sentence

a product designer who went from ideation to creation quickly
Recent Examples on the Web Collaborative models can be applied to any serious mental health concern, such as eating disorders, trauma, suicide ideation, etc. Eric Wood, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024 But among those who did, high and severe sleep disturbances were linked with greater odds of ideation and attempts — which remained even after the authors accounted for other factors that increased risk, such as depression, anxiety and family conflict or history of depression. Kristen Rogers, CNN, 19 Sep. 2024 Put it into practice: Cross-pollination can revamp your ideation process by offering fresh ideas and unexpected solutions to long-standing problems. Isadora Marlow Morgan, Forbes, 12 Sep. 2024 The state’s 211 line, a free, confidential information and referral line for a variety of services, also provides help for those suffering from suicidal thoughts or ideation. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 30 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ideation 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ideation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1805, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ideation was in 1805

Dictionary Entries Near ideation

Cite this Entry

“Ideation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ideation. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

ideation

noun
ide·​a·​tion ˌīd-ē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce ideation (audio)
: the capacity for or the act of forming or entertaining ideas
The spectrum of paranoid ideation goes from mild distrust and suspiciousness to full-blown persecutory delusions.R. Bianchi and L. Janin, Occupational Medicine
The cognitive ability to generate many creative ideas, or creative ideation, is one facet of creativity.Tammy C. Pannells and Amy F. Claxton, Creativity Research Journal
see also suicidal ideation

More from Merriam-Webster on ideation

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