ideation

noun

Save Word

ide·a·tion | \ ˌī-dē-ˈā-shən

Definition of ideation

: the capacity for or the act of forming or entertaining ideas suicidal ideation

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about ideation

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of ideation in a Sentence

caregivers are trained to watch for signs of depression and suicidal ideation—some patients are likely to put their fantasies to action

Recent Examples on the Web As these hubs play crucial roles for community, business incubation and ideation, their growth continues to fuel innovation on the continent. — Yomi Kazeem, Quartz Africa, "The biggest trends in African tech and startups in 2019," 30 Dec. 2019 To a severely depressed person who might be experiencing suicidal ideation, a fast-acting treatment could make all the difference in the world. — Allegra Ringo, Allure, "The Complete Guide to Ketamine Therapy for Depression, From Someone Who’s Tried It," 30 Oct. 2019 Hauff’s aunt said the boy had been bullied, felt unloved and had even spoken about his suicidal ideations. — oregonlive, "Oregon City 4th grader dies by suicide," 15 Dec. 2019 Lawyers again talked about McKinney’s drug habits and described the teen as a manipulative person who talked openly with friends about violence and who lied to medical professionals about having homicidal ideations. — Sam Tabachnik, The Denver Post, "STEM shooting suspect dealt and used drugs, talked openly of violence in months before shooting, prosecutors say," 22 Nov. 2019 The primary focus is the Bakers’ (Kate Walsh and Brian d'Arcy James) lawsuit against the school, which claims Liberty took a blind eye to the bullying Hannah faced and failed to respond to warning signs of her suicidal ideation. — Chelsea Greenwood Lassman, Teen Vogue, ""13 Reasons Why" Season 3 Recapped and the Questions We Have for Season 4," 29 Aug. 2019 Other research has shown the drug's potential to counter depression and suicidal ideation. — Michael Nedelman, CNN, "Ketamine may treat harmful drinking behavior by 'rewriting drinking memories,' researchers say," 26 Nov. 2019 What has that ideation been like and what might travelers be able to expect from you? — Meredith Carey, Condé Nast Traveler, "Innovators: Mobile Passport's Hans Miller Wants to Get Rid of All Airport Lines," 23 Oct. 2019 EdgeStorming Think of this as extreme brainstorming; the X-games of ideation. — Josh Linkner, Detroit Free Press, "These 12 techniques will change brainstorming forever," 26 Oct. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ideation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about ideation

Dictionary Entries near ideation

Statistics for ideation

Last Updated

24 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Ideation.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ideation. Accessed 28 January 2020.

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for ideation

ideation

noun

Financial Definition of ideation

What It Is

Ideation is the act of forming ideas.

How It Works

For example, let's say Company XYZ makes widgets, and it wants to get into the children's widget market. Its product development team starts brainstorming ideas for specs, features and production methods.

This ideation process includes listing possible product features, designing prototypes, manufacturing prototypes, doing market research, and going back to square one with various iterations until something marketable and profitable emerges.

In a purely marketing context, ideation might involve creating an image board or concept for advertising.

Why It Matters

Ideation is what many business people spend a significant time doing. Without creativity, experimentation and dreaming, businesses would be far less innovative and thus far less profitable.

Source: Investing Answers

ideation

noun

ide·a·tion | \ ˌīd-ē-ˈā-shən