Acumen — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈa-kyü-mən/ acu·men

Meaning & Definition of Acumen

Acumen (noun)

  1. clarity of mind and depth of perception, discernment, or discrimination especially in practical decision-making

Acumen (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. exceptional discernment and judgment especially in practical matters

    "had the business acumen to know that the market for sportswear was becoming oversaturated"

    similar: astuteness, caginess, canniness, clear-sightedness, foxiness, hardheadedness, intelligence, keenness, knowingness, sharpness, shrewdness, wit
    related: discernment, insight, perception, perceptiveness, perceptivity, percipience, sagaciousness, sagacity, sageness, sapience, wisdom, artfulness, artifice, craft, craftiness, cunning, deviousness, guile, slickness, slyness, sneakiness, subtleness, subtlety, wiliness, brain(s), gray matter, intellect, reason, sense
    near: artlessness, greenness, guilelessness, ingenuousness, innocence, naiveness, naïveté, simplemindedness, simpleness, simplicity, unsophistication, unworldliness, brainlessness, density, doltishness, dopiness, dumbness, fatuity, foolishness, half-wittedness, mindlessness, oafishness, obtuseness, senselessness, slowness, stupidity, stupidness, vacuity, witlessness

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Acumen

The most common words with a similar meaning to Acumen:

astuteness, caginess, canniness, clear-sightedness, foxiness, hardheadedness, intelligence, keenness, knowingness, sharpness, shrewdness, wit

Related Words for Acumen

discernment, insight, perception, perceptiveness, perceptivity, percipience, sagaciousness, sagacity, sageness, sapience, wisdom, artfulness, artifice, craft, craftiness, cunning, deviousness, guile, slickness, slyness, sneakiness, subtleness, subtlety, wiliness, brain(s), gray matter, intellect, reason, sense

Near Antonyms of Acumen

artlessness, greenness, guilelessness, ingenuousness, innocence, naiveness, naïveté, simplemindedness, simpleness, simplicity, unsophistication, unworldliness, brainlessness, density, doltishness, dopiness, dumbness, fatuity, foolishness, half-wittedness, mindlessness, oafishness, obtuseness, senselessness, slowness, stupidity, stupidness, vacuity, witlessness

Origin & Etymology of Acumen

borrowed from Latin acūmen "sharp point, stinger, acuteness of mind," from acū-, stem of acuere "to sharpen" + -men, resultative noun suffix acute

First known use: circa 1579

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Acumen

Frequently Asked Questions about Acumen

What does "Acumen" mean?

"Acumen" means clarity of mind and depth of perception, discernment, or discrimination especially in practical decision-making. As a noun, it is defined as: clarity of mind and depth of perception, discernment, or discrimination especially in practical decision-making.

What is another word for "Acumen"?

Other words for "Acumen" include astuteness, caginess, canniness, clear-sightedness, foxiness, hardheadedness, intelligence and keenness. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Acumen" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Acumen"?

There are 41 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Acumen". Common alternatives include astuteness, caginess, canniness, clear-sightedness, foxiness, hardheadedness, intelligence, keenness, knowingness and sharpness.

How do you use "Acumen" in a sentence?

Examples of "Acumen" in a sentence: "had the business acumen to know that the market for sportswear was becoming oversaturated".

Is "Acumen" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Acumen" is a noun.

Is "Acumen" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Acumen" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Acumen"?

"Acumen" is pronounced /ˈa-kyü-mən/ and divided into syllables as acu·men.

What is the origin of the word "Acumen"?

"Acumen" comes from borrowed from Latin acūmen "sharp point, stinger, acuteness of mind," from acū-, stem of acuere "to sharpen" + -men, resultative noun suffix acute. First known use: circa 1579.