acumen
/ˈækjəmən/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈækjəmən/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈa-kyü-mən ə-ˈkyü-mən/ (ame, mw)
acumen — noun
1. the ability to quickly grasp situations and make sound practical decisions, espe
the ability to quickly grasp situations and make sound practical decisions, especially in a professional field like business or politics
Fatima's business acumen helped the company survive the recession.
[field] + acumen is the most typical pattern
The startup founder impressed investors with her sharp financial acumen.
collocation: sharp + acumen
Dr. Okonkwo's political acumen allowed her to pass the new tax bill.
The new CFO showed remarkable acumen during the merger negotiations.
Parvati's legal acumen was the reason the firm won every major case.
- shrewdness
broader in scope; can apply to any life situation, not just professional domains
- insight
emphasizes deep understanding rather than practical decision-making
- savvy
more informal; often implies street-smart, hands-on experience rather than formal expertise
- perspicacity
very formal and rare; stresses clarity of perception rather than action
- ineptitude
a complete lack of skill or ability in a particular area
- obtuseness
slowness or dullness in understanding or perceiving things
文法句型
[domain] + acumen
show/demonstrate + [adjective] + acumen
acumen + in + [field]
用法筆記
Almost always used with a domain modifier (business, political, financial, legal). Uncountable — do not say 'an acumen' or 'acumens.'