English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun

acumen

AK-yuu-muhn

Acumen (noun) means the ability to make quick, accurate judgments and decisions, especially in a particular field. Example: “Her business acumen helped the company grow rapidly.”

noun
1
The ability to make quick, accurate judgments and decisions, especially in a particular field.
"Her business acumen helped the company grow rapidly."
"The lawyer's legal acumen impressed the whole courtroom."

How to use acumen

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSharp, practical judgment and insight, especially in business, politics, or a professional field.

Common pairings
business acumen political acumen sharp acumen

Word forms

acumens plural, acumina plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “acumen” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Her business _____ helped the company grow rapidly.

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin acumen, meaning "a sharp point," used figuratively for sharpness of mind.

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for acumen

See all rhymes for acumen →

Frequently asked questions

What does “acumen” mean?

The word “acumen” means the ability to make quick, accurate judgments and decisions, especially in a particular field. In plain terms, sharp, practical judgment and insight, especially in business, politics, or a professional field.

How do you pronounce “acumen”?

“Acumen” is pronounced AK-yuu-muhn (/əˈkjumən/ in IPA).

How do you use “acumen” in a sentence?

Here is “acumen” used in a sentence: “Her business acumen helped the company grow rapidly.”

What part of speech is “acumen”?

“Acumen” is a noun.

Where does the word “acumen” come from?

The word “acumen” comes from Latin. Borrowed from Latin acumen, meaning "a sharp point," used figuratively for sharpness of mind.

Featured in

People also searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial