What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shrewdness
Example
His shrewdness in investing helped him build a successful business. [shrewdness: noun]
Example
She showed shrewdness in negotiating the contract terms. [shrewdness: noun]
cunning
Example
The fox used cunning to outsmart the hunter. [cunning: noun]
Example
He was known for his cunning ways of getting what he wanted. [cunning: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shrewdness is more commonly used than cunning in everyday language. Shrewdness is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while cunning is less common and often associated with negative or unethical behavior.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shrewdness and cunning?
Shrewdness is typically associated with a formal and professional tone, while cunning is more informal and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but with a negative connotation.
