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

Their collective optimism, ingenuity and persistence are lighting the way for the next generation of industry leaders. —Stacy Noblet, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025

As an artist and global figure, J. Balvin aims to deconstruct stereotypes about the country by emphasizing peace, empowerment, and progress and showcasing Colombian ingenuity and industriousness. —Cat Sposato, AFAR Media, 18 Mar. 2025

Olen’s personnel moves, X’s and O’s and roster-building approach all line up with the underlying success story of a program that has always had to live on the margins: ingenuity by necessity. —Cj Moore, The Athletic, 16 Mar. 2025

Not far from the southeastern front line, this extraordinary facility is a monument to Ukrainian ingenuity and resilience. —James Longman, ABC News, 15 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1592, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for ingenuity

• ambiguity
• contiguity
• continuity
• incongruity
• perpetuity
• perspicuity
• promiscuity
• superfluity
• acuity
• annuity
• circuity
• congruity

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