acumen

[uh-kyoo-muhn, ak-yuh-]

noun

1. keen insight; shrewdness.

   remarkable acumen in business matters.

acumen

/ əˈkjuːmən, ˈækjʊˌmɛn /

noun

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

Other Word Forms

• acuminous adjective
• unacuminous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of acumen¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of acumen¹

C16: from Latin: sharpness, from acuere to sharpen, from acus needle

Example Sentences

"I appreciated his intelligence and his political acumen. I never allowed anyone to criticise him in front of me," he added.

Read more on Barron's

Leavitt is perfect: Exuberant, eager and engaged, with the mental acumen of an abandoned sock puppet.

Read more on Salon

Maury exploited his scientific acumen to contend for the truth of insane white supremacy beliefs, often with distorted biblical window dressing.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"A respected and experienced Premier League manager, Dyche brings the perfect blend of character, tactical acumen and proven achievement to guide the club through its next chapter," said a Forest statement.

Read more on BBC

He’s been awestruck by James’s rigorous conditioning and business acumen, and says he wants to learn more from him.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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