shrewdness

American  

[shrood-nis] / ˈʃrud nɪs /

noun

1. the quality of being astute or sharp in practical matters; the ability to find and pursue the most advantageous course of action, sometimes at the cost of moral compromise.

   He had the gift of storytelling, but not the ordinary shrewdness to convert the talent into a bankable asset.

   Michnik says that the marketplace frequently “chooses banality over excellence, shrewdness over nobility, empty promise over true competence.”

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Other Word Forms

• unshrewdness noun

Etymology

Origin of shrewdness

shrewd ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

Brighton is known for its shrewdness in the transfer market, buying players cheaply and selling them for high prices.

From Seattle Times

Critics questioned the legality, and his Democratic opponent for governor said it represented a new low level of shrewdness.

From Seattle Times

Elway, who transitioned into an outside consultant role to Paton after his contract as the Broncos’ president of football operations expired earlier this year, praised his handpicked successor’s shrewdness in acquiring Wilson.

From Seattle Times

Despite his cricketing shrewdness, he was ruled out of captaincy discussions by administrators in 2000 following too many embarrassing headlines about personal behaviour.

From BBC

They cite Putin’s shrewdness and strength, along with an unfettered willingness to use force to expand his country’s reach, suggesting that creates a flattering contrast with Biden, whom they portray as weak and feckless.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• acumen
• sharpness