Words / C2

AK-y-uh-m-uh-n/ˈækjəmən/

Acumen is the ability to judge well and quickly, especially in business or politics: business acumen, political acumen. Judgement and shrewdness (shrewd is already in the dictionary) are cousins. Acute is sharp (pain or mind) — related look. Do not award acumen for a lucky tweet.

Meaning

The ability to make good judgements quickly, especially in business or politics.

Examples

• “Political acumen kept the lab open; a slogan would not have.”
• “Political acumen kept the night lab staffed; a slogan would not have.”
• “Shrewd is the adjective cousin. Judgement is everyday. Acute pain is medical; an acute mind is sharp. One viral post is luck or timing, not acumen.”

Good to know

Sharp practical judgement. Close: shrewdness / judgement. Look: acute (sharp). Not a lucky tweet.

Near in meaning

judgement

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