Definition of "ingenuity" in English

noun

1. The ability to solve difficult problems in original, clever, and inventive ways; ingeniousness.

   • The pyramids demonstrate the ingenuity of the ancient Egyptians.
   • Poverty is the mother of ingenuity.
   • Ingenuity is one of the characteristics of a beaver.

2. An ingenuous action or thought.

3. (now rare) Ingenuousness; honesty, straightforwardness