1. the quality of being clever or skillful in a way that is intended to deceive or gain an advantage
Usage: often implies dishonesty or trickery
2. skill or ingenuity in making or doing something
Usage: less common; may be used positively

Examples

• The con artist's cunningness allowed him to trick investors out of millions.
• She used her cunningness to navigate the complex office politics.
• The fox's cunningness helped it escape the hunters.
• His cunningness in negotiation often gave him the upper hand in business deals.
• The villain's cunningness was matched only by his ambition.
• With great cunningness, she solved the puzzle that had stumped everyone else.