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

Driving impact through ingenuity Supporting the Social Innovation Accelerator and The Pitch is a powerful way for donors and corporate partners to invest directly in local solutions that are improving life right here in North Texas. —Dallas Morning News, 27 Mar. 2026

Lucky Strike is a visceral, emotionally resonant film that reminds us of the grit and ingenuity required to preserve our freedom. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2026

Apollo 11's first lunar landing in 1969 remains one of the most iconic moments in human history, symbolizing exploration, ambition and ingenuity. —Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 26 Mar. 2026

That ingenuity has earned the yard multiple international awards, with Nadal’s Great White scoring top honors in Robb Report’s 2021 Best of the Best issue. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 25 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1592, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for ingenuity

• ambiguity
• contiguity
• continuity
• incongruity
• perpetuity
• perspicuity
• promiscuity
• superfluity
• acuity
• annuity
• circuity
• congruity

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