# cunning

/ˈkənɪŋ/ (US) · /kˈʌnɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cunning
Updated: 2026-05-04

## Definition

showing cleverness and skill in achieving your goals, often by being tricky or secretive. You use it to describe someone who is smart but maybe a little sneaky.

For teachers: characterized by skillful cleverness, often implying deceit or subtlety in achieving an end. Typically used attributively or predicatively.

## Examples

- The cunning fox hid from the hunter.
- Her cunning plan to surprise him worked perfectly.
- The cunning politician avoided the direct question, weaving a complex answer that satisfied no one but himself.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.