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 of ingenuity

• creativity
• creativeness
• imagination
• talent
• innovativeness
• inventiveness
• imaginativeness

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

America can unleash the creativity, ingenuity, and determination of free people. — Marc Andersen, Fortune, 30 June 2026

The American promise — and its price The story of the gold rush is often told as a celebration of ingenuity and risk-taking — qualities still central to the American identity. — Andre Byik, USA Today, 29 June 2026

And there is no laboratory of technical ingenuity so fast and so rich as war. — Simon Sebag Montefiore, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026

Bonus points for the theme of ingenuity in the face of necessity, as Mike and Sully discover that children's laughter is more powerful than their fear. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1592, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for ingenuity

• acuity
• annuity
• circuity
• congruity
• fatuity
• gratuity
• tenuity
• vacuity
• ambiguity
• contiguity
• continuity
• incongruity

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