cunning
cunning Lexical Profile
cunning Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Having or showing skill in achieving one's ends by deceit, evasion, or underhanded means.
"The fox is often portrayed in folklore as a cunning creature that outwits larger animals."
Ingenious, inventive, or exhibiting great skill and dexterity.
"The carpenter designed a cunning mechanism that concealed a secret drawer inside the desk."
American Attractive, quaint, or appealingly cute.
"The toddler looked quite cunning in her miniature winter coat and matching boots."
• noun
Skill employed in a shrewd or sly manner, as in deceiving or outwitting others; craftiness.
"The detective relied on patience and cunning to uncover the truth behind the financial fraud."
Dexterity, adroitness, or practical skill in execution.
"The master violinist played the complex concerto with all his usual cunning and grace."
• Rhymes for cunning
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'cunning', the present participle of 'cunnen' ('to know' or 'be able'), derived from Old English 'cunnan'. Originally meaning learned or skillful, the word gradually shifted toward its modern sense of crafty or deceitful cleverness.