business acumen

American  

[biz-nis-uh-kyoo-muhn, ak-yuh-muhn] / ˈbɪz nɪs əˈkju mən, ˈæk jə mən /

noun

1. an astute understanding of how a business functions, supported by the ability to manage, strategize, and make sound decisions.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

business acumen

People who work with the investor credit his business acumen, low-key demeanor and daunting work ethic, qualities that have attracted partners, founders and mentors alike — including Iger.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 30, 2026

The others are critical thinking, agility, business acumen, people skills and professional demeanor.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026

And he may need his business acumen to help NMG succeed in difficult commercial times.

From BBC ● Mar. 13, 2026

OpenAI still loses billions of dollars every year, and a whole lot of people have questions about the company’s business acumen and culture.

From Slate ● Feb. 10, 2026

J. T. once showed his ledgers to the board of directors to prove, as if proof were needed, the extent of his business acumen.

From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt