Word
ingenuity
Phoneticsin·ge·nu·ity
US/ˌɪndʒəˈnuəˌti/
UK/ˌɪndʒɪnjˈuːɪtˌi/
Uncountable noun
Definition
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.
Examples
“The team showed great ingenuity in fixing the broken engine.”
“With limited supplies on the island, the survivors had to use their ingenuity to build a working shelter.”
“The architectural design is a masterpiece of engineering ingenuity, managing to support the massive glass dome without the use of visible internal pillars.”
Examples
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.
Real-World Examples
“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.” “The proposed limitations to the RSV vaccine especially stood out to Permar, who describes the vaccine as a “success story of American ingenuity”.” Etymology
From Latin ingenuitās.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/ingenuity