deftness

American  

[deft-nis] / ˈdɛft nɪs /

noun

1. cleverness or skill in using either the body or mind; dexterity or nimbleness.

   He was a highly skilled artisan who used his tools with the deftness and certainty of genius.

---

Etymology

Origin of deftness

deft ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

Samson's deftness to use the crease to arrow square drives through backward point were particularly eye-catching.

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2026

The author has a gift for describing pristine lowland forests and the majesty of trees more than 1,000 years old, and equal deftness in showing the horror of their devastation by logging and fire.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 2026

Men who don’t understand Los Angeles will never understand me, and for that, they’re unworthy of my deftness at loving.

From Los Angeles Times • May 16, 2025

It’s “what’s he like, how do you negotiate with him?” said Mr. Traupe, who praised Mr. Burns’s deftness so far in “not being the center of attention.”

From New York Times • May 9, 2023

Will marveled at the deftness in those huge black hooks.

From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman

Related Words

• nimbleness