Definition

1. Noun:
   • Keen insight and good judgment, especially in practical matters: The ability to make quick, accurate decisions and assessments, often in business or specific fields.
   • (Archaic/Biology) A tapering point: A sharp, pointed end of an object or a part of an organism.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Insight/Judgment):
  • Her business acumen helped the company survive the economic crisis.
  • The lawyer was respected for his legal acumen and sharp analytical skills.
• Noun (Point - less common):
  • The acumen of the leaf was clearly visible under the microscope.

Advanced Usage

• "To demonstrate/show acumen": To display keen judgment or insight.
  • The young entrepreneur demonstrated remarkable acumen in identifying market trends.
• "Financial/political/commercial acumen": Used to specify the field in which someone's sharp judgment is applied.
  • The CEO is known for her financial acumen.

Variants and Related Words

• Acuminous (adj): Having a sharp point; keen, penetrating (archaic).
  • An acuminous argument.
• Acuity (n): Sharpness of thought, vision, or hearing.
  • Mental acuity is important for this job.

Synonyms

• Astuteness: Shrewdness and perceptiveness.
• Perspicacity: The quality of having a ready insight into things.
• Discernment: The ability to judge well.
• Shrewdness: The quality of being astute and showing sharp powers of judgment.

Antonyms

• Stupidity: Behavior that shows a lack of good sense or judgment.
• Obtuseness: The quality of being slow to understand.
• Ignorance: Lack of knowledge or information.

Noun

1. shrewdness shown by keen insight
2. a tapering point