English Reference
Noun

ingenuity

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US /ˌɪndʒəˈnuəˌti/ UK /ˌɪndʒɪnjˈuːɪtˌi/ in·ge·nu·ity UK spelling ingenuities

n.the ability to solve problems in a clever or creative way. You use this when someone thinks of a smart new idea to fix a tricky situation.

n.the quality of being clever, original, and inventive, especially when applied to solving technical problems or overcoming obstacles.


SIMPLE

The team showed great ingenuity in fixing the broken engine.

CONTEXTUAL

With limited supplies on the island, the survivors had to use their ingenuity to build a working shelter.

COMPLEX

The architectural design is a masterpiece of engineering ingenuity, managing to support the massive glass dome without the use of visible internal pillars.

Usage

Typically used as an uncountable noun to describe a personal quality; occasionally used with 'of' to describe a specific clever act.

The proposed limitations to the RSV vaccine especially stood out to Permar, who describes the vaccine as a “success story of American ingenuity”.

The Guardian· 13 Aug 2026

Lead author Simon Parfitt (UCL Institute of Archaeology and Scientific Associate at the Natural History Museum) said: "This remarkable discovery showcases the ingenuity and resourcefulness of our ancient ancestors.

ScienceDaily· 27 Jul 2026

From Latin ingenuitās.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin ingenuitās
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated