acumen

[uh-kyoo-muhn, ak-yuh-] / əˈkyu mən, ˈæk yə- /

NOUN

ability to understand and reason

Synonyms

STRONGEST

acuity awareness brilliance guile ingenuity insight intellect intelligence intuition judgment sensitivity shrewdness vision wisdom wit

STRONG

acuteness astuteness brains cleverness comprehension cunning discernment discrimination farsightedness grasp keenness perception perspicacity perspicuity refinement sagacity sharpness smartness smarts understanding

WEAK

good taste percipience

Antonyms

STRONGEST

ignorance insensitivity stupidity

STRONG

misinterpretation mistake misunderstanding

WEAK

denseness inability ineptness obtuseness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Marty Krofft’s business acumen was why the partnership with brother Sid Krofft, which produced ‘H.R. Pufnstuf’ and ‘Land of the Lost,’ still influences TV.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

It bursts with insights that mix journalistic acumen with gossip, backed by a score generously seasoned with mischievous violin string plucking.

From Salon • Mar. 14, 2026

And he may need his business acumen to help NMG succeed in difficult commercial times.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

Another key to his acumen was his grasp of history.

From Barron's • Feb. 27, 2026

In court that day, Judge Rumpff gave an emotional eulogy to Pirow, and praised his legal acumen and thoroughness.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Vocabulary lists containing acumen

100 Words Every High School Graduate Should Know

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

300 Most Difficult "SAT" Words

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

GRE Verbal Reasoning, List 1

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!