Cunning vs. Shrewd — What's the Difference?

Cunning is often associated with the use of cleverness or deceit in a slightly negative or morally ambiguous manner to accomplish one's ends. It implies a certain level of craftiness and the ability to manipulate situations or people to one's advantage. Cunning individuals are adept at achieving their objectives through indirect or secretive means, rather than straightforward honesty. In contrast, shrewdness is generally viewed in a more positive light, denoting keen insight, practical wisdom, and the ability to make astute judgments. A shrewd person possesses sharp intelligence, especially in business or practical affairs, and can discern the best course of action among various options. Shrewdness involves the clever evaluation of situations to maximize one's interests, but unlike cunning, it doesn't inherently rely on deceit.

While cunning strategies often depend on keeping others in the dark or misleading them, shrewd individuals leverage their understanding and perception of reality to navigate complex scenarios successfully. For instance, in a negotiation, a cunning person might use manipulation to get what they want, whereas a shrewd individual would rely on their deep understanding of the negotiation dynamics to achieve a favorable outcome.

The distinction between cunning and shrewd also reflects in their connotations: cunning can imply a certain lack of ethical consideration, focusing on the ends rather than the means. Shrewdness, however, suggests not only intelligence but also wisdom in decision-making, indicating a balanced consideration of both ethical implications and outcomes.

Despite their differences, both qualities involve a level of intelligence and strategic thinking. The key divergence lies in the ethical overtones and the means by which goals are achieved: cunning operates through guile and deceit, while shrewdness through insightful judgment and practical wisdom.