Cunning vs. Resourceful — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 26, 2024
Cunning involves deception for personal gain, while resourcefulness is about effectively using available resources without deceit.
Difference Between Cunning and Resourceful
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Cunning typically implies a form of deceitfulness or shrewdness used to trick or manipulate others, focusing on achieving a specific, often selfish goal. On the other hand, resourcefulness refers to the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties, emphasizing ingenuity and adaptability without the negative connotations of manipulation.
While cunning may rely on misleading others as a strategy to achieve an end, resourcefulness involves using available means or finding new solutions within ethical boundaries. Whereas resourcefulness is generally viewed positively, being seen as an innovative and problem-solving trait.
In many contexts, cunning is associated with a strategic but possibly unethical approach to problem-solving. Conversely, resourceful individuals are often admired for their ability to make do with what they have and think outside the box in a positive light.
Cunning often requires astuteness in understanding human behaviors and exploiting them for one’s benefit. Whereas, being resourceful is more about creative thinking and efficiently utilizing resources, emphasizing practicality over exploitation.
While a cunning person might be considered clever, their actions might not always be morally sound or honorable. On the other hand, resourceful individuals are typically lauded for their ability to manage and innovate, contributing positively to their environments.
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Comparison Chart
Connotation
Negative, deceptive
Positive, clever
Focus
Manipulation, self-gain
Problem-solving, effectiveness
Ethical Implications
Often unethical
Ethical and admired
Strategy
Exploitation of people and situations
Optimal use of available resources
Perception
Often viewed as sly or untrustworthy
Seen as adaptive and innovative
Compare with Definitions
Cunning
Skilled in deception or trickery.
The cunning fox managed to evade the hunters again.
Resourceful
Capable of devising ways and means.
He was resourceful enough to solve the issue with limited tools.
Cunning
Crafty in the use of special resources (such as skill or knowledge) or in attaining an end.
The spy was too cunning for them to catch.
Resourceful
Skillful in dealing with new and difficult situations.
She impressed her bosses with her resourceful solutions during the crisis.
Cunning
Clever but with a hint of deceit.
He used his cunning nature to outsmart his competitors.
Resourceful
Able to meet situations promptly and skillfully.
The resourceful teacher found a way to engage her distracted students.
Cunning
Having or showing skill in achieving one's ends by deceit.
Her cunning plan to cheat on the test went unnoticed.
Resourceful
Having the ability to find quick and clever solutions to obstacles.
The engineer was resourceful in repurposing old materials for new uses.
Cunning
Characterized by wiliness and trickery.
The cunning lawyer twisted the facts to his advantage.
Resourceful
Tending to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.
When lost in the woods, she was resourceful enough to navigate back to camp.
Cunning
Marked by or given to artful subtlety and deceptiveness.
Resourceful
Able to act effectively or imaginatively, especially in difficult situations.
Cunning
Executed with or exhibiting ingenuity.
Resourceful
Capable or clever; able to put available resources to efficient or ingenious use; using materials at hand wisely or efficiently.
With a resourceful use of space and a fresh coat of paint, the room became a pleasant library with a comfortable seating area.
Cunning
Delicately pleasing; pretty or cute
A cunning pet.
Resourceful
Full of resources.
Cunning
Skill in deception; guile.
Resourceful
Having inner resources; adroit or imaginative;
Someone who is resourceful is capable of dealing with difficult situations
An able and resourceful politician
The most resourceful cook in town
Cunning
Skill or adeptness in execution or performance; dexterity.
Cunning
Sly; crafty; clever in surreptitious behaviour.
Cunning
(obsolete) Skillful, artful.
Cunning
(obsolete) Wrought with, or exhibiting, skill or ingenuity; ingenious.
Cunning work
Cunning
Cute, appealing.
Cunning
Practical knowledge or experience; aptitude in performance; skill, proficiency; dexterity.
Cunning
Practical skill employed in a secret or crafty manner; craft; artifice; skillful deceit; art or magic.
Cunning
The disposition to employ one's skill in an artful manner; craftiness; guile; artifice; skill of being cunning, sly, conniving, or deceitful.
Cunning
The natural wit or instincts of an animal.
The cunning of the fox or hare
Cunning
(obsolete) Knowledge; learning; special knowledge (sometimes implying occult or magical knowledge).
Cunning
Knowing; skillful; dexterous.
"Tis beauty truly blent, whose red and whiteNature's own sweet and cunning hand laid on.
Esau was a cunning hunter.
Cunning
Wrought with, or exhibiting, skill or ingenuity; ingenious; curious; as, cunning work.
Over them Arachne high did lift
Cunning
Crafty; sly; artful; designing; deceitful.
They are resolved to be cunning; let others run the hazard of being sincere.
Cunning
Pretty or pleasing; as, a cunning little boy.
Cunning
Knowledge; art; skill; dexterity.
Let my right hand forget her cunning.
A carpenter's desertStands more in cunning than in power.
Cunning
The faculty or act of using stratagem to accomplish a purpose; fraudulent skill or dexterity; deceit; craft.
Discourage cunning in a child; cunning is the ape of wisdom.
We take cunning for a sinister or crooked wisdom.
Cunning
Shrewdness in deception;
As cunning as a fox
Cunning
Shrewdness as demonstrated by being skilled in deception
Cunning
Drafty artfulness (especially in deception)
Cunning
Attractive especially by means of smallness or prettiness or quaintness;
A cute kid with pigtails
A cute little apartment
Cunning kittens
A cunning baby
Cunning
Marked by skill in deception;
Cunning men often pass for wise
Deep political machinations
A foxy scheme
A slick evasive answer
Sly as a fox
Tricky Dik
A wily old attorney
Cunning
Showing inventiveness and skill;
A clever gadget
The cunning maneuvers leading to his success
An ingenious solution to the problem
Common Curiosities
Is cunning a form of intelligence?
Cunning can be considered a form of intelligence that involves understanding and manipulating situations or people to one’s advantage.
What are typical situations where cunning might be advantageous?
In competitive scenarios where manipulation and strategic deception might lead to success, such as in some business or political environments.
Can a person be both cunning and resourceful?
Yes, it's possible for a person to exhibit both traits, using resourcefulness in some situations and cunning in others.
What makes someone resourceful?
Creativity, problem-solving skills, and the ability to use available resources effectively characterize a resourceful person.
How can one develop resourcefulness?
By working to enhance problem-solving skills, creativity, and the ability to use existing resources in innovative ways.
What is the main difference between cunning and resourceful?
Cunning involves deception to achieve goals, while resourceful refers to effectively using what's available without deceit.
Do literature and media portray cunning and resourceful differently?
Generally, media and literature may portray cunning as a trait of antagonists, while resourceful characters are often heroes.
Can being too resourceful be a problem?
Excessive reliance on resourcefulness in the absence of strategic planning can lead to short-term fixes rather than sustainable solutions.
How are cunning and resourceful perceived in society?
Cunning often has negative connotations, viewed as deceitful; resourcefulness is positively viewed as it relates to ingenuity.
Does cunning necessarily imply negativity?
While it often does, cunning can also simply refer to cleverness or skill in achieving an end, though typically with a deceitful element.
Is it better to be cunning or resourceful?
Socially and ethically, it is generally better to be resourceful as it relies on positive attributes like creativity and efficiency.
Can children be taught to be resourceful?
Yes, teaching problem-solving, creativity, and how to use resources wisely can help children develop resourcefulness.
How do cunning and resourceful relate to leadership?
Leaders might use cunning to navigate complex political landscapes, while resourceful leaders solve problems effectively.
Is there a cultural aspect to how cunning and resourceful are perceived?
Yes, different cultures may value cunning and resourcefulness differently based on their social norms and values.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
