How to determine whether the lens is sharp or not?

Is it something to do with how much elements and groups are present?

For example if a lens has 11 elements in 8 groups (Nikkor 18-55mm VR) and another lens 15 elements in 11 groups (Nikkor 55-200mm VR ED) which would be sharper?

Is it the lens with more elements sharper or the lens with less element sharper?

The elements are making requirements that do affect quality; frequently high quality lenses have some more elements; wich doesn't mean that number determines quality, some other factors as lens quality (aspherical or other), coating, manufacturing contribute