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acumen Definition

acu·men (ə kyo̵̅o̅mən, akyə mən)

noun

keenness and quickness in understanding and dealing with a situation; shrewdness

Etymology: L, a point, sting, mental acuteness < acuere, to sharpen < IE base *a-: see acid

acumen Synonyms

acumen

n.

keenness, insight, penetration, perspicacity, percipience, discernment, sharpness, acuteness, astuteness, sagacity, cleverness, shrewdness, accuracy, intelligence, wisdom, long-headedness, understanding, comprehension, intuition, sensitivity, vision, grasp, perception, smartness, brilliance, farsightedness, keensightedness, awareness, cunning, guile, acuity, wit, quickness of perception, perspicuity, mental acuteness, mother wit, esprit (French), foresightedness, quick sense, quickness, intellect, discrimination, judgment, good taste, refinement, brains*, horse sense*, know-how*, high I.Q.*, smarts*.

Antonyms stupidity*, dullness, obtuseness.

acumen Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • possess: Had he possessed the financial acumen to go with his engineering brilliance, he would have made a fortune.
  • demonstrate: For the next three years, Wilson demonstrated immense political acumen.
  • combine: This is a hybrid role combining business acumen with technological experience.
  • display: This is partly because of the lack of ambition or any business acumen displayed by our Chairman.
  • require: The Pride Festival treated as a business requires business acumen and is subject to business risks.
  • show: The husband had shown remarkable business acumen throughout his career.

Adjective modifier

  • tactical: My only question mark would be over his tactical acumen in the Premier League.
  • commercial: The commercial acumen of everyone working for the company has improved in the last few months.
  • financial: Your financial acumen could be put to the test.
  • critical: Remember that you are writing to best display your knowledge, understanding, and critical acumen.
  • political: The CTC lacks the skills or the political acumen to campaign.
  • strong: Your drive, energy and desire to excel will be matched by comprehensive formal sales skills training and strong commercial acumen.

Modifies a noun

  • endurance: And even more acumen endurance business as much but.
  • business: And even more acumen endurance business as much but.
  • ability: Strong business acumen ability to make sound business decisions.
  • deal: Acumen deal with UK, European and USA based opportunities.

Noun used with modifier

  • business: Capable lawyers with business acumen are valuable to any firm.
  • marketing: It was with the recording of cover versions that Miller showed his greatest marketing acumen.
  • story: Yesterday I checked on my story Acumen because i thought it was nearing its OOT date.
  • sale: Their sales acumen alone isnât enough to make a business successful.

Browse dictionary entries near acumen

  1. aculeus
  2. aculeate
  3. acuity
  4. Acuff
  5. acuate
  6. actus reus
  7. actuate
  8. actuary
  9. actuarial
  10. actually
  1. acuminate
  2. acupressure
  3. acupuncture
  4. ACUs
  5. acute
  6. acute accent
  7. acutely
  8. acuteness
  9. ACV
  10. -acy