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

Motivated by sustainability, Ellen Hodakova Larsson, 32, grew up on a farm an hour outside of Stockholm, and credits her parents’ ingenuity and resourcefulness as a major inspiration for her designs.

From Los Angeles Times

“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

All the other challenges are harder, and many are not amenable to human ingenuity at this stage.

From Los Angeles Times

“Scientific ingenuity, unshackled by overly burdensome regulations, provides solutions like carbon capture and storage technology that removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

I do not know the woman’s name, but her ingenuity should be known to anyone planning a summer picnic at the Hollywood Bowl or elsewhere.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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