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

As much as tech enables advancement, human collaboration and ingenuity is just as much of a key ingredient. — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026

Archaeologists and historians tell their stories from the ambition and ingenuity that made them, to the conflict and catastrophe that transformed them into the ruins of today. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026

Of course, not every hotel has the capacity to install a dedicated Pilates studio, requiring a bit of extra ingenuity to cater to the demands of travelers who consider Pilates a nonnegotiable part of their routine. — Lindsay Cohn, Vogue, 7 Oct. 2026

The Timberwolves made a big bet on Ball this summer, believing that his passing and offensive ingenuity would unlock Anthony Edwards and help the team get back into contention in the Western Conference. — Doug Haller, New York Times, 3 Oct. 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