acumen

noun

acu·​men ˈa-kyü-mən  ə-ˈkyü-mən 

: keenness and depth of perception, discernment, or discrimination especially in practical matters

Did you know?

How did acumen evolve?

A keen mind and a sharp wit can pierce confusion as easily as a needle passes through cloth. Remember this analogy between a jabbing needle and piercing perception, and you will readily recall the history of acumen. The English word retains the spelling and figurative meaning of its direct Latin ancestor acūmen, which literally means "sharp point." That word comes in turn from the Latin acuere, a verb meaning "to sharpen" that is related to acus, the Latin word for "needle." Acuere puts the acu- (gesundheit!) in a number of English words, including acute, acuity, and acuminate. In its earliest English uses, acumen referred specifically to a sharpness of wit. In modern English, it conveys the sense that someone is perceptive enough to grasp a situation quickly and clever enough to deftly apply that insight.

Synonyms

• astuteness
• caginess
• cageyness
• canniness
• clear-sightedness
• foxiness
• hardheadedness
• intelligence
• keenness
• knowingness
• sharpness
• shrewdness
• wit

Choose the Right Synonym for acumen

discernment, discrimination, perception, penetration, insight, acumen mean a power to see what is not evident to the average mind.

discernment stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art).

the discernment to know true friends

discrimination stresses the power to distinguish and select what is true or appropriate or excellent.

the discrimination that develops through listening to a lot of great music

perception implies quick and often sympathetic discernment (as of shades of feeling).

a novelist of keen perception into human motives

penetration implies a searching mind that goes beyond what is obvious or superficial.

lacks the penetration to see the scorn beneath their friendly smiles

insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy.

a documentary providing insight into the plight of people affected by the housing crisis

acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment.

a director of reliable box-office acumen

Examples of acumen in a Sentence

And perhaps this is just part of Washington's transition into the new economy: the triumph of national brands over local loyalty, of business acumen over upper Northwest idealism. —Franklin Foer, New Republic, 7 Feb. 2000

… the historical acumen, the steady shrewdness, and the uncommon common sense with which the old maestro watches the American procession of similar problems faced by dissimilar egos. —Alistair Cooke, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 1987

Here was a man of extraordinary sensitivity, political acumen, spiritual power, and sexual wildness; a free spirit if ever there was one. —Alice Walker, Living by the Word, 1986

Her political acumen won her the election.

a lack of business acumen

Recent Examples on the Web

The guys up at Auburn rave about his intelligence, his football acumen and his work ethic. —Creg Stephenson | [e-mail], al, 20 Jan. 2023

But Lord knows, there’s a mountain of acumen and perspicacity or, in plain terms, good horse sense stored in those minds and souls. —Gordon Monson, The Salt Lake Tribune, 8 Jan. 2023

Minaya, a New Yorker for much of his life, is the former GM of the Expos and Mets and is well respected for his scouting acumen and connections in Latin America. —Peter Abraham, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Jan. 2023

Your employees likely span many skill levels, so their business acumen and familiarity with corporate lingo will vary. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2023

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin acūmen "sharp point, stinger, acuteness of mind," from acū-, stem of acuere "to sharpen" + -men, resultative noun suffix — more at acute

First Known Use

circa 1579, in the meaning defined above

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

Kids Definition

acumen

noun

acu·​men ə-ˈkyü-mən  ˈak-yə-mən 

: keenness of mind : shrewdness