ingenuity

noun

in·​ge·​nu·​i·​ty ˌin-jə-ˈnü-ə-tē How to pronounce ingenuity (audio)
-ˈnyü-
plural ingenuities
Synonyms of ingenuity
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

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Scout Motors, the iconic American brand preparing to launch its next generation of all-electric and EREV (extended range electric vehicles) trucks and SUVs, brought its own celebration of music, craftsmanship, and ingenuity. — Lori Majewski, Rolling Stone, 3 Aug. 2026 No matter how powerful the technology, change still requires human innovation, ingenuity, and empathy to make things stick. — Maria Ross, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 Under the ingenuity of then-Saints head coach Sean Payton, Hill became a Swiss Army knife, taking snaps at a litany of positions over his nine seasons. — Devon Henderson, New York Times, 30 July 2026 But whether nestled in lush forests or barren deserts, these towns bear the scars of time, showcasing human ingenuity while reminding us of the inevitability of decay. — Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for ingenuity

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1592, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of ingenuity was circa 1592

Rhymes for ingenuity

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Browse Nearby Words

ingenue
ingenuity
ingenuous
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Cite this Entry

“Ingenuity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ingenuity. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on ingenuity

Nglish: Translation of ingenuity for Spanish Speakers

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