WordGarden.ioingenuity
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /ˌɪndʒɪnjˈuːɪtˌi/
US
- /ˌɪndʒəˈnuəˌti/
Meanings
Noun
clever originality and resourcefulness in solving problems or creating things
Beyond the definition
Ingenuity isn't just about being smart; it's about how you use your intelligence. Think of a stranded sailor building a raft from driftwood - that takes ingenuity. It's the ability to find clever, original ways to solve problems, often with limited resources. A child building an elaborate fort out of blankets and pillows shows this kind of creative problem-solving. It can also describe skill shown in art, design, or invention.
Ingenuity is the quality of being clever, original, and inventive. It's more than just intelligence; it's about applying your smarts in a resourceful and imaginative way – especially when facing challenges. Imagine early pioneers needing to build homes and tools from scratch with whatever materials were available. Their success depended on their ingenuity.
It can describe both practical problem-solving and creative design. You might use it for a clever repair, a smart piece of engineering, or an original artistic idea. In each case, the focus is on the ability to make something work in a thoughtful and often surprising way.
You might praise someone's ingenuity when they come up with an unexpected fix for a broken appliance, or admire the ingenuity behind a beautifully designed piece of technology. It's often used in contexts involving innovation, problem-solving, and clever design. For example: "The engineer displayed remarkable ingenuity in designing the new bridge," or "Her solution to the complex puzzle was a testament to her ingenuity."
So whether it's a groundbreaking invention or a clever everyday trick, ingenuity is all about finding smart and creative ways to make things work.
Examples
- 1
Everyday repair
With a little ingenuity, we fixed the broken handle using wire and tape.
- 2
Business survival
The startup survived its first year through ingenuity rather than money.
- 3
Science project
Her teachers praised the ingenuity of her science project.
- 4
Plan evaluation
Even his critics admitted there was real ingenuity in the plan.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Crisis response
The museum has an exhibit on human ingenuity in times of crisis.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- ineptitude
- conventional thinking
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- human ingenuity
- technical ingenuity
- show ingenuity
- ingenuity in solving problems
Word family
Explore
- problem solving
- lateral thinking
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- ingenuitynoun