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

• 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

With a name inspired by unity, strength and joy, Zayu transforms on the pitch as a striker, showcasing exceptional ingenuity and agility that intimidates defenders. —Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2025

The treasure trove that is the Hermès archive’s simplicity is matched only by its ingenuity (the Jean Paul Gaultier years in particular). —Kerry Pieri, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2025

Here’s another example of ingenuity in prison. —Vauhini Vara september 22, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2025

Not only highlighting the ingenuity of Purdy’s design sensibility, the initiative draws attention to the depth of talent found within the region and how, through collaboration, it can be applied and accessed on an international stage. —Roddy Clarke, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025

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