Skip to Content

Cunning Definition – Meaning and Usage In A Sentence

Cunning Definition – Meaning and Usage In A Sentence

Have you ever met someone who believes and prefers to use schemes to thrive or has a particular cheeky skill? The best way to describe such a person is using the word “cunning.” Sometimes it can be an animal that employs shrewdness to capture its prey.

The term cunning refers to a skill showcased in a crafty or a deceiving manner. The word also describes someone intelligent, clever, or sly. Such people are good at using hidden tactics to get what they want. Your sentences with this word should show an aspect of being clever, manipulative, or deceptive.

You may be familiar with the above definition; however, there are several other definitions of the word cunning you should know. This article will discuss all the definitions and how to use the word in writing and speech. Let’s begin with the definitions and then everything about the word.

library man reading

What Is The Definition of Cunning?

The word as an adjective defines a skill or knowledge leaning towards deception. When someone uses a tactic hidden from everyone else to achieve a goal, they can be described as cunning.

It’s important to note that the word has different meanings as an adjective and a noun. Generally, cunningness is often accompanied by being subtle. Another way of describing a person with such qualities is skillful, clever, or ingenious. Here’s an example in a sentence:

  • It’s a general rule of thumb that cunning individuals often pass most exams.

“Cunning” also means “clever, proficient, skillful, or crafty” when defined as a noun. The word cunning can also describe the natural wit or instincts of an animal. When describing an individual’s skill, it often refers to its shady side. The word once defined the state of acquiring knowledge, but it’s no longer used.

  • Without the cunning nature of the tour guide, we wouldn’t have made it out of that jungle alive.
  • If you have ever met a cunning person in a business deal, you already know how things can go south quite fast.

What Is The Meaning of Cunning?

“Cunning” also has another meaning when used as an adjective. That is, “being skillful in deception or made with crafty skill.”

The most common definition is “someone who uses hidden and deceptive tactics to get what they want.” These acts give an individual an unfair advantage and are carried out in secret. This specific meaning is used in negative situations. Here’s an example in a sentence:

  • The cunning acts of the Brazilian bank robbers enabled them never to get caught.

Is Cunning a Positive Word?

The word cunning can be used both positively and negatively. It’s possible for someone to be cunning in their endeavor but not harm anyone. However, the opposite, where someone can use their cunningness to gain an unfair advantage over others, is also true. Although the term cunning is applicable in both cases, the word mostly describes trickery but with little to no harm done.

Is There a Difference Between Cunning and Con?

Yes, there is. The two words may look similar, but they are different. Cunning means being crafty or sly, whereas con is the act of tricking or defrauding someone. If someone is cunning, they use trickery to gain an advantage, but it may not be illegal. Conning, however, has a criminal angle to it and is mostly used to refer to financial situations.

How to Use Cunning in a Sentence?

“Cunning” is an adjective. It also exists as a noun (cunningness) and an adverb (cunningly). Note that “cunning” is also a noun when it describes someone’s practical knowledge or skill.

Here’s an example to illustrate further:

  • I’m afraid I have to disagree when Shelly states that my cunningness means that I’m a dishonest person.

Cunning is mostly used in its adjective form. It describes someone, place, or thing. For instance, the cunning fox jumped over the lazy dog. More so, when used as an adjective, the term cunning illustrates the crafty action being undertaken.

Here’s an example showing the same:

  • Tom has lived for 20 years as a free man, cunningly keeping himself out of the law’s reach.

10 Examples of Cunning Usage in a Sentence

The following ten sentences will expound the word further by showing you the different situations the word can be applied as a noun, adjective, and adverb. Have a look at the sentences:

  1. There are rumors that the Central Intelligence Agency was instrumental in cunningly eliminating several African leaders in the 20th century.
  2. The entire staff was shocked at Alice’s cunning skill of closing business deals despite her cool and calm demeanor.
  3. When Stephen Curry started playing basketball, he amazed the fans with his cunning dribbling and scoring skills.
  4. She may look harmless, but don’t let that fool you; she’s as cunning as a fox.
  5. Due to the high cost of living, the residents have devised a cunning way to convert used-cooking oil to fuel.
  6. The government assured its citizens that the economy as well despite their cunning ways of embezzling funds.
  7. Political leaders are masters of convincing the electorate with their sheer cunningness.
  8. Many people describe him as a madman, but I regard Kanye West as a cunning gentleman who has subtly grown his wealth.
  9. Many people think that business deals are made in offices; however, they are cunningly made in golf courses, away from prying eyes.
  10. The cunning young man thought he’d gotten away with the crime only for him to be caught by the police ten days later.

How Do You Spell Cunning?

The word cunning is spelled as \ ˈkə-niŋ \ when searched in the IPA or [c-u-n-n-i-n-g] in a simpler way. 

When spelling the word cunning, remember that the word has double “n.” It’s important to pay attention to such words that have double letters to spell them correctly. The best way of getting the spelling of this and many other similar words right is by constantly practicing each word.

cunning word dictionary

How Do You Pronounce Cunning?

The word cunning is pronounced [kuh. nuhng].

This word is simple because both American and British pronunciations are similar. Another factor that makes this word easy to pronounce is that no letters are silent. Practice pronouncing this word to better use it in your conversations correctly.

How Many Syllables Are In Cunning?

The term cunning has two syllables; cun. ning.

The best way to know how many syllables any word has is to count how many times your jaw drops when pronouncing the word. The number of times you drop your jaw reflects the number of syllables.

Synonyms Of The Word “Cunning”

Antonyms Of The Word “Cunning”

  • Ignorant
  • Obtuse
  • Stupid
  • Rough

History & Etymology of Cunning

The word cunning originates from the Proto-Germanic word kunnaną and kunnende, a middle English term meant to know, recognize or be familiar with.

“Cunning” also comes from another old English word, cennan, which means to declare, bring forth or give birth to something. Later on, in the 14th century, the word morphed into Konnyng, meaning special practical knowledge, proficiency, or skill. However, the word was mainly used to refer to the occult or witchcraft knowledge or skill. However, these earlier definitions have become obsolete and are no longer in use today.

When Was Cunning First Used?

The word cunning was first used as “crafty or sly” in the 14th century.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve gone through this article and familiarized yourself with cunning definitions and various uses, you shouldn’t have any issue with anything around the word. Remember that you can always go back to this article if you feel unsure of anything about the word.