creativity

American  

[kree-ay-tiv-i-tee, kree-uh-] / ˌkri eɪˈtɪv ɪ ti, ˌkri ə- /

noun

1. the state or quality of being creative.

2. the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships, or the like, and to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations, etc.; originality, progressiveness, or imagination.

   the need for creativity in modern industry; creativity in the performing arts.

3. the process by which one utilizes creative ability.

   Extensive reading stimulated his creativity.

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Other Word Forms

• anticreativity
  noun
• noncreativity
  noun
• uncreativity
  noun

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Etymology

Origin of creativity

First recorded in 1870–75; creative + -ity

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Explanation

Creativity is the ability to transcend the ordinary. It's the critical thinking skill that allows you to "think outside the box" to come up with original solutions to problems. We often think of creativity as limited to the arts, but it is a necessary element in all areas of life. Without creativity we would not have the mathematical theories that presented us with fractals, or the technological imagination that could foresee people walking on the moon. It was creativity that harnessed lightning into electricity and later used that electricity to send messages through wires. Without creativity, we probably would never have invented the wheel or domesticated fire!

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

creativity

“David leaves behind a legacy of endless creativity, unmistakable artistry, and a body of music that has touched lives across generations and around the world,” Steiling said on the band’s behalf.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2026

The conversation shifted to London Dog Week, she added, and “how it had created this wonderful mix of community, creativity, independent businesses and dog lovers. Someone said, ‘We should do a Paris Dog Week.’

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2026

There is a strong argument that Chelsea find it easier to cope without the creativity of Cole Palmer than without Caicedo's ability in possession and his knack for breaking up play in midfield.

From BBC ● Oct. 10, 2026

Rather, it shows how small-market clubs with enough creativity and ingenuity can win with limited resources by finding value in places others aren’t looking.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 7, 2026

One of the ways of fostering creativity is to encourage students’ improvisation.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

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