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

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

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

From BBC • Mar. 1, 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

There’s a deftness in intermingling the widescreen orchestrals with the digital accouterments.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2023

A “smooth” strain possessed a slippery, sugary coat on the cell surface and could escape the immune system with newtlike deftness.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee

Related Words

• nimbleness