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.

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Etymology

Origin of deftness

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

deftness

Throughout his tenure, Greenspan displayed the deftness, nimbleness, and flexibility that earned him the moniker “Maestro.”

From Barron's ● Jun. 26, 2026

If the greater consistency of his groundstrokes was the jab, the deftness of his dropshot was the body shot.

From BBC ● May 29, 2026

Lowry’s juggling of staff loyalty, curatorial independence and board direction required a deftness of touch and grace.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 12, 2026

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

I was with her and marveled at my sister's deftness and complete lack of fear.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris

Related Words

• nimbleness