# artful

> English word · Adjective · IPA /ˈɑːtf(ʊ)l/ · frequency rank #33,516

## Definitions
1. Characterized by, or performed with, cleverness or contrivance; clever, ingenious.
2. Not naturally produced; artificial; imitative.
3. Exhibiting or using much art or skill; dexterous; skilful.
4. Skilful at using dishonest or unfair means to achieve a purpose; crafty, cunning.
5. Knowledgeable about the liberal arts; learned, wise.

## Etymology
From art (“skill that is attained by study, practice, or observation”) + -ful (suffix forming adjectives from nouns, with the sense of being full of, tending to, or thoroughly possessing the quality expressed by the noun).

## Easily confused with
- **awful** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/artful-vs-awful)
- **Arthur** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/artful-vs-arthur)
- **artfully** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/artful-vs-artfully)

## Common misspellings (9)
`arftul`, `arrtful`, `artfful`, `artflu`, `artfull`, `arttful`, `artufl`, `atrful`, `ratful`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/artful