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

Rather than replacing human ingenuity, AI acts as a force multiplier that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible. —Matthew Putman, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025

Johnson was introduced on Wednesday at Halas Hall, ushering in a new era for the NFL’s cornerstone franchise with the Bears seeking stability, leadership, offensive ingenuity and someone who can lead them back to winning ways. —Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2025

These projects emphasize ingenuity and storytelling across diverse industries. XR Experience Competition World premieres of mind bending immersive art. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 22 Jan. 2025

Not all Vin de France wines are emblems of excellence or ingenuity. —Anna Lee C. Iijima, Bon Appétit, 22 Jan. 2025

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