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

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

From Barron's • Jun. 26, 2026

Working on the variety of her game - coming forward to the net and showing more deftness - has been a key focus for Sabalenka.

From BBC • Jan. 30, 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

Emecheta, with immense deftness and subtlety, provides a haunting and forceful attack on patriarchy, sexism and misogyny in Nigeria, and indicates how they taint and limit a nation.

From New York Times • Feb. 7, 2024

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