lateral thinking

[ lat-er-uhl thing-king ]

noun

1. an approach to problem solving that involves nontraditional thought processes such as free association of ideas, creative analogy, pattern recognition, intuition, etc.: Compare vertical thinking.

   This position requires lateral thinking, collaborative skills, and the ability to deal with ambiguity.

lateral thinking

noun

1. a way of solving problems by rejecting traditional methods and employing unorthodox and apparently illogical means

Word History and Origins

Origin of lateral thinking¹

Coined in 1967 by Maltese psychologist E. de Bono (1933–2021)

Example Sentences

Effective Wikiracing rewards lateral thinking—connecting subjects without an obvious relation—while concentrating on a predetermined target.

From Slate

He was also a painter and mathematician, and so possessed the right combination of artistic sensibilities, lateral thinking and scientific understanding to give fresh ideas to Scandinavian planning problems.

From Literature

Often, they require lateral thinking or rely on counterintuitive truths.

From Literature

If these sorts of solutions to geological problems seem to come from left field, Dr. Petermann and Dr. Fastovsky both point out, that’s because they take a certain amount of lateral thinking to invent.

From New York Times

The intelligence agency said pupils would need to employ all their skills of lateral thinking, ingenuity and perseverance to be successful.

From BBC