Ingenuity

/ˌɪn.dʒəˈnjuː.ə.ti/

Meaning & Definition

noun
The quality of being clever, original, and inventive.
Her ingenuity in solving complex problems earned her a promotion.
A clever device or trick.
The engineer's ingenuity led to the creation of a more efficient engine.
Inventiveness or resourcefulness in devising ways to solve problems.
His ingenuity in navigating the difficult situation impressed everyone.

Etymology

Late Middle English: from Latin ingenuitas, from ingenium 'inborn talent'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

thinking outside the box:
Finding creative solutions to problems that are different from the usual methods.
crafty ingenuity:
Skillful and clever use of resources to create something effective.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

MacGyvering
He managed to fix the car with just a paperclip and duct tape; that's some serious MacGyvering!
Hack
Her hack to organize the kitchen was pure ingenuity.