cunning
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈkʌnɪŋ/
KK: /ˈkʌnɪŋ/
adjective
Definition
Having a clever and deceitful quality; being able to achieve goals through trickery or skillful planning.
Example
The cunning fox outsmarted the hunters.
Conversation
Did you see how cunning that fox was in the park yesterday?
Yeah, it was really sneaky!
I can't believe it managed to steal the food so easily.
It's amazing how cunning animals can be when they're hungry.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
sly
wily
crafty
Antonyms
naive
honest
gullible
noun
Definition
The ability to deceive or trick others, often in a clever or sly way.
Example
Her cunning allowed her to outsmart her opponents in the game.
Conversation
Did you see how he managed to win that game with such cunning?
Yeah, it was impressive how he outsmarted everyone.
I think a little cunning can go a long way in competitions.
Root Explanation
Cunning → The word originates from the Old English 'cunning', meaning knowledge or skill. It is derived from 'cunnan', meaning to know or to be able. The term has evolved to describe someone who is skilled in achieving their ends by deceit or trickery.
Memory Tip
Think of someone who is 'skilled' ('cunnan') in using their knowledge to outsmart others — that's why cunning refers to being clever in a tricky way.
Visually Confused Words
uncunning
running
gunning
conning
canning
unwaning
untuning
unpining