ingenuity

noun

in·ge·nu·i·ty | \ˌin-jə-ˈnü-ə-tē,

-ˈnyü-\

plural ingenuities

Definition of ingenuity

1a : 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 Example Sentences Learn More about ingenuity

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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

His combination of energy, ingenuity and ruthlessness made for scintillating viewing throughout the Premier League season, after which he was named the league’s player of the year. — Andrew Keh, New York Times, "Egypt Is ‘100 Percent’ Confident Salah Will Play," 14 June 2018 Fortunately, human ingenuity found a way to extend the franchise with three more films nonetheless. — Tad Friend, The New Yorker, "How Frightened Should We Be of A.I.?," 7 May 2018 The other is human ingenuity, which adapts to circumstances and turns what were once luxuries into everyday amenities. — William Mcgurn, WSJ, "The Population Bomb Was a Dud," 30 Apr. 2018 The ultralight aircraft is a symbol of student ingenuity, drive, commitment and curiosity as well as uncommon administrative support, Fiala said. — Donna Vickroy, Daily Southtown, "Plane built by Andrew High School students nearly ready for takeoff," 14 Apr. 2018 With the touch of a wand (and some human ingenuity), the hall will be transformed into a place where muggles and wizards can enjoy a feast, some magic and surprises. — Sheryl Devore, Lake County News-Sun, "Wizards event conjures up new grand banquet, continues kids magic school," 7 June 2018 Big Wong’s ingenuity and attention to detail are echoed in the film itself. — Kimber Myers, latimes.com, "Review: Charming Chinese comedy 'King of Peking' has an infectious love for cinema," 5 July 2018 One hundred and ten years after its introduction, the Ford Model T endures as a symbol of American freedom, ingenuity and humble honesty. — Casey Williams, chicagotribune.com, "Driving the Ford Model T through 110 years of American audacity," 3 July 2018 Hodgson showed great ingenuity in his approach with unconventional formations that bypassed struggling players. — SI.com, "Roy Hodgson Has Succeeded Where His Old British Rivals Have Failed in Becoming a Fan Favourite," 9 May 2018

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