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Definition of ingenious

ingenious

/ɪnˈdʒiː.ni.əs/
in · ge · nious
Adverb:ingeniously
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ingenious Lexical Profile

ingenious Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Cleverly and originally designed, contrived, or constructed to solve a complex problem (of a device, plan, or idea).

Example

"The folding bicycle features an ingenious hinge mechanism that locks securely in seconds."

2

Possessing or demonstrating exceptional cleverness, originality, and inventiveness (of a person).

Example

"The ingenious engineer devised a low-cost water filtration system for rural communities."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for ingenious
Antonyms
View all antonyms for ingenious

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'ingenious' (meaning clever, original, and inventive) with 'ingenuous' (meaning innocent, candid, and unsuspecting).

• Rhymes for ingenious

• Nearby Words

infusoria
inga
inga falls
ingenious
ingeniously
ingeniousness
ingenuity

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 15th century from Old French 'ingenios' and directly from Latin 'ingeniosus' ('of good natural capacity, gifted with genius'), derived from 'ingenium' ('innate quality, natural talent, wit').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ingenious. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ingenious
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