adjective
Uncommon
cunning
KUH-nihng
Cunning (adjective) means Clever in a sly or deceptive way, skilled at getting what you want through trickery. Example: “The fox is often portrayed as a cunning animal in folk tales.”
adjective
1
Clever in a sly or deceptive way, skilled at getting what you want through trickery.
"The fox is often portrayed as a cunning animal in folk tales."
"It was a cunning plan to distract the guards while they slipped past."
noun
1
Skill in deceiving or manipulating others; craftiness.
"He survived on the streets through sheer cunning."
How to use cunning
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishClever in a scheming, often underhanded way — being smart but in a way that can't quite be trusted.
Common mistake
Cunning usually carries a slightly negative or wary tone, unlike "clever" or "smart," which are more neutral.
Common pairings
a cunning plan
cunning as a fox
cunning strategy
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Word forms
- Plural
- cunnings
- Comparative
- more cunning
- Superlative
- most cunning
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The fox is often portrayed as a _____ animal in folk tales.
Etymology
From Middle English cunning, originally the present participle of a verb meaning "to know how to" — related to "can" and "con" (as in "con artist").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for cunning
See all rhymes for cunning →Frequently asked questions
What does “cunning” mean?
The word “cunning” means clever in a sly or deceptive way, skilled at getting what you want through trickery. In plain terms, clever in a scheming, often underhanded way — being smart but in a way that can't quite be trusted.
How do you pronounce “cunning”?
“Cunning” is pronounced KUH-nihng (/ˈkʌnɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “cunning” in a sentence?
Here is “cunning” used in a sentence: “The fox is often portrayed as a cunning animal in folk tales.”
What is another word for “cunning”?
Words with a similar meaning to “cunning” include craftiness, foxship, list, abet, art and beguilement.
What is the opposite of “cunning”?
The opposite of “cunning” — its antonyms — are artlessness, bluntness, candor, honesty and innocence.
What part of speech is “cunning”?
Depending on how it is used, “cunning” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “cunning” come from?
The word “cunning” comes from Middle English. From Middle English cunning, originally the present participle of a verb meaning "to know how to" — related to "can" and "con" (as in "con artist").
Is “cunning” a common word?
“Cunning” is an uncommon word in modern English.
