acumen
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of acumen
First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin acūmen “sharpness,” from acū-, stem of acuere “to sharpen” ( see acute) + -men, noun suffix
Explanation
If you have acumen, you are very sharp at what you do. You hope your accountant and your surgeon are both known for their acumen. The noun acumen comes from the Latin word acumen, meaning “a point,” or “sting.” If you are able to make pointed decisions, if you have a sharp intellect, if you make good strategic moves, if you are successful in your field, or if your business instincts are spot-on, you have acumen. Even if you inherit an entire wholesale furniture dynasty from your grandfather, you could end up with nothing if you don’t have his business acumen.
Vocabulary lists containing acumen
100 Words Every High School Graduate Should Know
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300 Most Difficult "SAT" Words
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GRE Verbal Reasoning, List 1
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Andoni Iraola did an amazing job at Bournemouth but he will need all of his managerial ability and acumen to succeed at Liverpool.
From BBC ● Sep. 17, 2026
The drama has come as a surprise to some who know Walter, who has earned respect for his financial acumen and, despite his purchases of high-profile sports teams, has tended to dodge publicity.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 5, 2026
But his Atlantic City years should have been a cautionary tale for all those who believed his alleged acumen as a businessman could make them rich.
From Salon ● Aug. 28, 2026
The others are critical thinking, agility, business acumen, people skills and professional demeanor.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026
Your students will demonstrate their acumen and progress during the usual Friday Elocution class.
From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
