ingenuity

[ in-juh-noo-i-tee, -nyoo- ]

noun

, plural in·ge·nu·i·ties

1. the quality of being cleverly inventive or resourceful; inventiveness:

   a designer of great ingenuity.

2. cleverness or skillfulness of conception or design:

   a device of great ingenuity.

3. an ingenious contrivance or device.
4. Obsolete. ingenuousness.

ingenuity

/ ˌɪndʒɪˈnjuːɪtɪ /

noun

1. inventive talent; cleverness
2. an ingenious device, act, etc
3. archaic.
   frankness; candour

Other Words From

• hyper·inge·nui·ty noun
• super·inge·nui·ty noun plural superingenuities

Word History and Origins

Origin of ingenuity¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin ingenuitās “innate virtue, etc.” ( ingenuous, -ity ); current senses by association with ingenious

Word History and Origins

Origin of ingenuity¹

C16: from Latin ingenuitās a freeborn condition, outlook consistent with such a condition, from ingenuus native, freeborn (see ingenuous ); meaning influenced by ingenious

Example Sentences

“America is at its strongest when we use ingenuity and innovation to improve lives here in the U.S. and around the world,” he wrote.

From Slate

“We look forward to engaging with you and your administration to help make sure the United States continues to lead with and be fueled by ingenuity, innovation, and creativity.”

From Slate

Even if you were not that child who took his toys apart to see how they were made — and there is much ingenuity just in the construction of a plastic “Star Wars” X-wing fighter — there is a vicarious delight in watching it done, especially if you weren’t the sort who could ever put things back together.

From Los Angeles Times

Balance is a key word because Napoli haven’t been thrilling going forward and when journalists asked why David Neres and Kvara can’t play together to inject more creativity and ingenuity, Conte reiterated the need to ensure balance.

From BBC

“I want us to use all of our ingenuity and all of our lessons learned to make sure that we keep moving as quickly, but as safely, as possible.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ability
• brilliance
• dexterity
• flair
• genius
• gumption
• intelligence
• inventiveness
• resourcefulness
• shrewdness
• skill
• talent
• wisdom
• wit