adroitness

[ uh-droit-nis ]

noun

1. dexterity, flexibility, ease, and speed in the use of the hands or body:

   Instead of main roads he prefers the steep, rocky shortcuts through the forest, which he negotiates with the adroitness of a dancer.

2. clever skill or ingenuity:

   The former governor, whose eight years out of office have eroded his adroitness as a debater, delivered a low-key and sometimes halting performance.

Other Words From

• un·adroit·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of adroitness¹

adroit ( def ) + -ness ( def )

Example Sentences

He had, moreover, the adroitness to extirpate that rivalry which alone destroys all united effort.

From Project Gutenberg

He went at his job with a handy adroitness which was almost scientific, it was so much like surgery, like dissection.

From Project Gutenberg

Jem resented this doubt cast upon his adroitness, and crawled out among the bushes.

From Project Gutenberg

He was playing for two stakes—present profit and future power and glory; and he played with brave adroitness.

From Project Gutenberg

Such a singular mixture of courage, adroitness and statesmanship was he that everywhere he prevailed by one method or another.

From Project Gutenberg