1
Core quality
Skilful at achieving an aim through clever, secretive, or deceptive methods; sly.
Example
The cunning scheme concealed the transfer through several companies.
cunning
/ˈkʌnɪŋ/ · KUN-ingadjective
Skilful at achieving an aim through clever, secretive, or deceptive methods; sly.
Use cunning to express this relationship precisely: skilful at achieving an aim through clever, secretive, or deceptive methods; sly.
What cunning Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
A cunning negotiator exploited divisions among her opponents.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
The trap was simple in appearance but cunning in design.
Use cunning Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The cunning scheme concealed the transfer through several companies.
A cunning negotiator exploited divisions among her opponents.
The trap was simple in appearance but cunning in design.
Precision Matters
Cunning overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
cunning
vs.Means skilful at achieving an aim through clever, secretive, or deceptive methods; sly.
candor
Means the quality of being open, honest, and straightforward in speech or expression.
cunning
vs.Means skilful at achieving an aim through clever, secretive, or deceptive methods; sly.
conscientious
Means careful, responsible, and guided by a serious desire to do one's work or duty properly.
cunning
vs.Means skilful at achieving an aim through clever, secretive, or deceptive methods; sly.
arcane
Means known or understood by very few people because it is obscure, specialized, or mysterious.
cunning
vs.Means skilful at achieving an aim through clever, secretive, or deceptive methods; sly.
chicanery
Means deception, trickery, or dishonest manipulation used to gain an advantage.
Test cunning in Context
The method is clever, secretive, and deliberately deceptive.
1
Through a ___ sequence of false identities and hidden accounts, the broker avoided detection for years.