acumen

American  

[uh-kyoo-muhn, ak-yuh-] / əˈkyu mən, ˈæk yə- /

noun

1. keen insight; shrewdness.

   remarkable acumen in business matters.

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acumen British  

/ əˈkjuːmən, ˈækjʊˌmɛn /

noun

1. the ability to judge well; keen discernment; insight

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Other Word Forms

• acuminous adjective
• unacuminous adjective

Etymology

Origin of acumen

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin acūmen “sharpness,” from acū-, stem of acuere “to sharpen” ( acute ) + -men, noun suffix

Example Sentences

Pharmaceutical industry leaders had publicly hailed Pazdur’s appointment as drugs chief, praising his years of expertise and scientific acumen, and were dismayed by his departure.

From The Wall Street Journal

All that is a challenge for a seasoned corporate adviser with business acumen and top contacts.

From The Wall Street Journal

Its leaders lack the acumen to compete with other Caribbean resort destinations such as the Dominican Republic.

From The Wall Street Journal

I don’t have the financial acumen to speak to tariffs’ larger economic effects.

From The Wall Street Journal

While a four-year degree now often demonstrates merely acceptable attendance, a certification demonstrates skills, acumen and judgment that portend value in the workplace.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• acuity
• awareness
• brilliance
• guile
• ingenuity
• insight
• intellect
• intelligence
• intuition
• judgment
• sensitivity
• shrewdness
• vision
• wisdom
• wit